Amid growing reports of dissidence within one of Meghalaya’s largest regional political parties, the United Democratic Party (UDP), speculation is rife that some of its legislators may be weighing their political options soon. Against this backdrop, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, when asked about the alleged internal churn, maintained that he was unaware of any such developments, even as he struck a cautious and measured note on the broader political landscape of the state.
Responding to questions on the reported brewing dissidence within the UDP, Syiem said he had no knowledge of it. When asked whether the UDP continues to remain a strong regional political party, he remarked, “All political parties are strong. UDP is strong, NPP is strong, VPP is strong, Congress is also you never know.” He further added, “All political parties expect to get absolute majority, that is the ideology of political party that’s natural.”
On being specifically asked whether the UDP was on the decline, the legislator refrained from drawing conclusions, stating, “Only time will tell, I am not god to tell fortune that this party is sinking, that party is sinking.” Emphasising the role of voters, he said, “It depends on electorate, the electorate of Meghalaya are very wise, very mature and they know how to choose legislators from which party, which individual.” He underlined that the state’s political culture is distinct, noting, “Meghalaya is not like other states which are party centric.” Expressing faith in democratic choice, he added, “I want all the 60 constituencies whenever they elect representative they will elect with genuine consciousness for the benefits of the people.”
Speaking on political competition and electoral challenges, Syiem said, “In politics, our enemy we have to treat them as our friends, because election is the time when all candidates irrespective of the party we belong we come and endorse whatever our stand is there to the people at large.” He asserted that the final verdict rests with the voters, saying it “depends on the electorate to see who is better.” Stressing preparedness, he remarked, “When we talk about challenges, I always treat all my opponent as challenge, it may be from VPP, Congress, NPP or Independents, all are strong opponents.” Drawing an analogy, he said, “A soldier at the border is always prepared anytime for the attack. So as MLA we have to prepare our ground.”
Expressing optimism about his own constituency, Syiem said, “I am hopeful that with the initiative that we have started as a team will build confidence in the mind of the people and my request is that to give me one more chance.” He, however, cautioned against complacency, adding, “I do hope that the people of our constituency they will think properly and I hope that the ground is still strong but there should be no room for complacency. We should work hard.”
Highlighting Meghalaya’s long-standing electoral trends, the UDP legislator noted, “In Meghalaya, the mind set of people is mostly individual centric, party centric only in few constituency, mostly it’s individual centric.” He pointed out that candidate credibility often outweighs party affiliation, stating, “Any political party if they set up Good candidate they will win, that’s why we have so many Independent candidates also won elections, because they have good ground as individuals.” Reflecting on the state’s political history, he said, “We have seen Meghalaya had experience fractured mandate since 1972 we haven’t witness absolute majority, mostly it’s fractured mandate, coalition government, that’s why I am telling you all party are strong.”
