Amid growing speculation over a possible realignment of legislators from the United Democratic Party (UDP) with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), questions are being raised over whether senior UDP leader and West Shillong legislator Paul Lyngdoh could be among those considering a move to the saffron party. The speculation has gained further traction after BJP leader and Lyngdoh’s political rival in West Shillong, former MLA Mohendro Rapsang, indicated that the BJP would be open to welcoming new entrants. Lyngdoh, however, has not confirmed any decision to leave the UDP or join the BJP, even as reports suggest that at least eight to nine UDP legislators may join the BJP.
Asked about the possibility of Lyngdoh joining the BJP, Rapsang stopped short of confirming any such move but said the party was ready to welcome those seeking to join it.
“BJP is welcoming, the more the merrier…..,” Rapsang said.
Asked whether Paul Lyngdoh joins the BJP, would he still be with the BJP, the former MLA said, “…we will see who joins first. Let them join first.”
Rapsang’s remarks are likely to add to speculation over Lyngdoh’s political future at a time when the reported movement of UDP legislators towards the BJP has emerged as one of the most closely watched developments in Meghalaya politics. Any move by Lyngdoh would assume added political significance given his seniority within the UDP and his position as one of the party’s prominent regional voices.
The speculation also assumes significance in the wake of Lyngdoh’s own earlier remarks on the state of affairs within the UDP. The senior regional leader had spoken of growing instability within the party and acknowledged that a “good number” of UDP legislators had established direct links with the BJP’s national leadership.
Lyngdoh had also expressed concern over the weakening of the regional political space, saying the UDP could be reduced to one or two MLAs, while saying he did not want to blame any individual for the UDP’s failure.
