Shillong, Sept 11: Amid shifting political alignments in Meghalaya, the United Democratic Party’s foundation day on Friday exposed cracks within, with only 6 of its 12 legislators attending the function at the party headquarters in Shillong.
The low turnout came even as Mawsynram MLA Ollan Singh Suin broke his silence, openly claiming that eight UDP MLAs are in talks with the BJP and “anything can happen any moment,” citing non-fulfilment of a five-point demand by the UDP leadership.
Suin clarified that the party is focused strictly on achieving key public demands rather than bargaining for ministerial berths within the NPP-led coalition government. He reaffirmed that the UDP’s discussions with central leadership are independent of upcoming by-elections and are driven by long-pending regional issues championed by NGOs.
Clearing the air over speculation about an eight-member delegation’s recent trip to New Delhi, Suin confirmed that while some members travelled to meet central leaders, he remained in his village before meeting the team to review progress.
The UDP leadership on Friday claimed that its MLAs remain united and have no plans to leave the party.
However, this claim contradicts Suin’s statement. Speaking after the emergency CEC meeting held on Friday, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said the party leadership had reposed faith in president Metbah Lyngdoh and that the MLAs had clarified that they had no plans to leave the UDP.
He said meeting Union ministers or national leaders did not necessarily mean that an MLA was planning to join another party.
However, Suin contradicted the claim, confirming that the group comprises eight MLAs and is ready to join the BJP if its demands are accepted.
The demands include the inclusion of Khasi in the Eighth Schedule, lifting restrictions on coal mining, shifting Sikh Dalits from the municipal area, addressing FCRA-related issues and implementing the MRSSA.
Six of the UDP’s 12 MLAs — Paul Lyngdoh, Mayralborn Syiem, Kyrmen Shylla, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah, Pius Marwein and Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah — were absent from the CEC meeting.
Lahkmen Rymbui, Suin, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh attended the meeting, while Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem arrived later.
Chyne also ruled out any immediate change in the party leadership, saying that the decision on the president rests with the UDP General Council.
