SHILLONG: Gearing up for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and the autonomous district council elections in Meghalaya, the United Democratic Party (UDP) announced the formation of a committee on Monday.
UDP Chief Metbah Lyngdoh told the press that the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) had given the nod for the selection of committee members, entrusting them with the crucial task of candidate selection.
“We have entrusted the committee to look into the matters related to the candidature of those who have expressed their interest to contest from our party,” stated Lyngdoh, highlighting the party’s commitment to a thorough and inclusive selection process.
Notably, the UDP has decided to contest both the Shillong and Tura Lok Sabha seats. Currently held by Congress MP Vincent H Pala and NPP MP Agatha K Sangma, respectively, these seats are key battlegrounds for the upcoming elections.
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Lyngdoh revealed that the CEC also resolved to endorse the decision taken by UDP and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) leaders to collaborate for the election to the Shillong Lok Sabha seat.
Prominent figures within the UDP, such as PT Sawkmie, UDP member, former Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) leader Robertjune Kharjahrin, and the president of the Khasi Authors’ Society, DRL Nonglait, are currently in the race for the party ticket for the Shillong seat.
Lyngdoh clarified that the party is yet to finalise a candidate for the Tura parliamentary seat.
The decision-making process will involve the State Election Committee (SEC) and members of the core committee, along with senior leaders from the Garo Hills.
The UDP president assured that the party would carefully consider the interests and opinions of all stakeholders, including the HSPDP.
Discussing broader issues, Lyngdoh highlighted the party’s concern for farmers in the state.
A meeting, scheduled for the first week of December, will involve the party’s agricultural wing and focus on addressing challenges faced by farmers.
