With speculation over internal discord gathering momentum ahead of the Lok Sabha by-election for the Shillong Parliamentary constituency, the United Democratic Party (UDP) is facing questions over whether it is ignoring red flags within its own ranks. The issue has gained political significance amid reports that some party leaders and legislators are unhappy with the present leadership and may switch allegiance to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) before the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections. The earlier resignation of Jemino Mawthoh, the recent resignation of Robertjune Kharjahrin and resignation of large number of supporters of Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar in Mawkyrwat have added to speculation over the party’s internal cohesion. However, UDP president and Cabinet Minister Metbah Lyngdoh has categorically denied any leadership crisis, asserting that the party continues to function as a united organisation with the support of its workers from the grassroots.
Asked whether the United Democratic Party was facing a leadership crisis ahead of the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, Lyngdoh dismissed the suggestion, saying he was not the appropriate person to comment on himself.
“I am not the right person to answer this, how can I talk about myself,” Lyngdoh said.
Maintaining that the party remained united, Lyngdoh said the UDP’s electoral growth reflected collective effort rather than individual leadership.
“As a party we are very much in the right direction, we are working as a team. I am having full support from every one in the party right from grassroots. In 2018-2023 we had six MLAs but now post 2023 we have 12, we worked as a team. It’s not achivement of the president of UDP but it’s the achievement of the party as a team we have been working together. We are working with sincere efforts even for the MP bye election also,” The UDP chief said.
Responding to reports that some leaders and legislators were unhappy with the party leadership and amid speculation over possible defections to the ruling NPP, Lyngdoh said the UDP’s functioning was based on collective leadership and consultation.
“At the end the party itself is United Democratic Party and behave and practice that within the party, we make collective decision with proper consultation within the party,” he added.
Lyngdoh’s remarks come amid continued political speculation over whether the earlier resignation of Jemino Mawthoh, the recent resignation of Robertjune Kharjahrin and over three thousands supporters of Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar in Mawkyrwat resigned and joined National People’s Party as these are emerging as red flags for the UDP as it prepares for the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election and the political contest leading up to the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections.
