The 20-member UDP is tying up with the Nationalist Congress Party to form a new coalition government, Chief Minister B B Lyngdoh (UDP) said.

The unanimous decision to severe ties with the Congress was taken in the UDP Legislature Committeee meeting chaired by Lyngdoh, UDP president E K Mawlong told reporters.

Mawlong said all 20 MLAs of the party were in the meeting. The decision was being conveyed to the Congress high command, he further stated.

He said the NCP, with 12 MLAs in the 60-member House, has in a letter informed Lyngdoh it would join the new dispensation.

Mawlong said a meeting with the NCP was on at the Chief Minister's residence and the decision would be conveyed to the State Governor either on Tuesday night or Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party, with three legislators, has expressedits support to Lyngdoh to form a new government.

Mawlong said Lyngdoh would remain Chief Minister.

In the 60-member House, the UDP has 20 members, Congress 16, NCP 12, BJP 3, Garo National Council 1, Hill State People Democratic Party 3, People's Democratic Movement 3 and Independents 2.