MLA stands for a member of the legislative assembly. He/She is representative of any particular constituency through which he/she is elected by the people.
There is no need to be a member of any political party to become an MLA. He/she can contest the election as an independent candidate also.
But there is one necessary requirement that he/she must be a citizen of India and fulfill the requisite qualifications for the post of MLA.
Final Answer:
MLA is a member of legislative assembly which is representative of Any particular constituency through which he/she is elected by the people. And there is no need to join any political party to become a MLA because even independently he/she can contest elections and become a MLA.