SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) reiterated its commitment to remain with the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) until the completion of the current term.
Dispelling recent speculations about a potential exit from the ruling coalition, UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh expressed surprise over reports suggesting that a faction within the party was contemplating a withdrawal from the MDA.
“I want to clarify that there was no discussion in the party to pull out from the government. We will remain with the MDA,” Lyngdoh told the press on Monday.
Lyngdoh also refuted claims that the party’s recent setback in the Lok Sabha elections was due to its association with the NPP and BJP in the MDA.
He admitted that the party is “still trying to understand” the reasons behind the poor performance in the Shillong parliamentary seat and has instructed UDP MLAs to engage with the public to uncover the underlying issues.
Meanwhile, Lyngdoh addressed the emerging role of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) and its potential to replace the UDP as the major regional entity in the state.
“As a party, we are going to work hard and come back strongly,” he asserted.
In response to recent remarks by UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh about the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) potentially exiting the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), Metbah Lyngdoh stated that the UDP would seek clarification on these claims.
He highlighted that there is no trust deficit between the UDP and HSPDP, maintaining that the RDA remains intact.
Metbah Lyngdoh also mentioned discussions with HSPDP President KP Pangniang, who reaffirmed his commitment to staying in the RDA.
Addressing the HSPDP’s decision to contest the district council elections independently, he noted the differences between Lok Sabha, Assembly, and district council polls and confirmed that discussions on district council elections between the two parties have yet to take place.
