Shillong, Aug 19: Cracks in Meghalaya’s United Democratic Party widened on Wednesday as senior leader Paul Lyngdoh demanded an immediate meeting of the party’s parliamentary wing to address growing dissent among its legislators.
Speaking after a special UDP meeting here, the West Shillong MLA played down talk of a split but admitted trouble was brewing.
“There are rumblings in almost every political party, but those are being debated and discussed as we speak,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
He said the party council’s view was clear: grievances raised by UDP MLAs must be addressed without delay.
“The focus is on strengthening the bonding within the party. The party president should immediately call a parliamentary party meeting and discuss all grievances aired by the MLAs,” he said.
The push for dialogue comes amid speculation over the UDP’s stability. As a key regional player in Meghalaya’s coalition politics, any internal rift has statewide implications.
Fueling the fire are reports that a section of UDP legislators could move closer to the Bharatiya Janata Party, with merger talks doing the rounds.
When asked directly, Lyngdoh said he had no concrete information.
“I have only heard rumours, but I am not in a position to comment since I do not have much information,” he said.
The UDP has traditionally maintained an independent regional identity while being part of state governments. The proposed parliamentary meet will now be closely watched for signs of whether the party can paper over differences — or if more defections are on the cards.
For now, Lyngdoh said the priority remains internal unity, not realignment.
