SHILLONG: In a candid assessment of the state’s political climate, senior United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Paul Lyngdoh has called for a radical democratic overhaul of his party, while acknowledging the Voice of the People Party (VPP) as a “strong contender” for power in Meghalaya.
Speaking on the current term of the House—which recently crossed the mid-way mark of two and a half years—Lyngdoh dismissed premature election fever, suggesting that the true “shape and contours” of the 2028 battle will only emerge in early 2027.
Addressing the meteoric rise of the VPP, Lyngdoh maintained a diplomatic but realistic distance. ”There is no second opinion” that the VPP has emerged as a formidable force.
Lyngdoh refused to either praise or condemn the rival party, noting that any commentary would be misconstrued as either “over-critical” or a sign of him “joining VPP.”
Internal Cracks or Healthy Debate?
Responding to rumours of a rift within the UDP, Lyngdoh used a domestic metaphor to downplay the severity of internal disagreements.
”Just because you have parents disagreeing or husband and wife disagreeing, it does not mean they are headed for divorce.”
However, he did not shy away from criticizing the current functioning of the party leadership. He highlighted a disconnect between the “senior leaders” and the “foot soldiers” (Youth and Women’s wings) who built the party’s foundation.
Lyngdoh lamented that volunteers and wings of the party are often ignored in major decision-making processes.
He called for the UDP to become a “cent percent democratic party,” moving away from individual-centric styles of functioning.
Lyngdoh clarified that his concerns are focused on the “broader picture” of the party’s health rather than personal rivalries with specific leaders.
Lyngdoh maintained by stating that while trends are shifting, it is still too early for a definitive study of the 2028 outlook. For now, his focus remains on internal reform, insisting that “no two individuals will be the same or even align” in their functioning, but the party’s democratic integrity must remain the priority.
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