In the wake of Congress’ complete wipeout from the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly—its last four legislators defecting to the ruling National People’s Party—the United Democratic Party (UDP) has asserted unwavering confidence in its own ranks, brushing aside speculation of internal cracks or poaching threats.
With 12 legislators in the Assembly, the UDP’s leadership maintains that the party remains intact both in the House and in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. “Yes, 100 percent. See poaching of leaders I think let them (elected representatives) decide who am I to tell them what to do, they have been elected by the people of their respective constituencies, they have to take decision whatever decision as a leader they will take. They have to take it on a matured way,” stated UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh.
When asked whether other political parties were attempting to lure away UDP leaders, Lyngdoh was categorical: “I don’t have any kind of fear so to say as far as poaching is concern by other political parties, if they wishes to do so it’s their concern.” On the question of internal dissent, Lyngdoh dismissed the notion outright—“No I have not heard about anything, I have not seen anything so far”—while reaffirming the party’s focus on governance: “We are there as part of the government with regards to welfare and development of people in the state.”
Echoing the sentiment, UDP General Secretary Titosstarwell Chyne declared, “We have full confidence in our legislators elected on party ticket, we have full confidence on them. They are very trustworthy and we do not have any doubt that our MLAs will be switching to other parties.” He also downplayed the rise of the Voice of the People Party, refusing to concede that its growth would dent UDP’s electoral prospects in the future.
With rivals jostling for political space ahead of the next polls, the UDP is positioning itself as a disciplined, stable force in a state where shifting allegiances have become routine.
