SHILLONG: West Shillong MLA and UDP leader Paul Lyngdoh said Thursday he is consulting his supporters before deciding on his next political move, as the state’s political equations shift following the defection of eight UDP MLAs to the BJP.
Lyngdoh noted that issues concerning the Election Commission, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and other recent developments would factor into his decision.
He remarked on the fluidity of Meghalaya politics, where post-election alliances often emerge among former rivals, and cited the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election and GHADC elections as key factors shaping the state’s political landscape.
On calls for a change in UDP leadership, Lyngdoh revealed that he had initiated the leadership contest with Metbah Lyngdoh, whom he narrowly lost to.
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He reiterated that the party needs a leader with a vision that goes beyond their own constituency, expressing dissatisfaction with the current leadership style.
Lyngdoh also clarified that the letter signed by Metbah Lyngdoh pertained to his appointment as a minister, and pointed to situations where party leaders had to approach Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong directly—highlighting questions about the party president’s role.
He acknowledged that these issues contributed to the UDP’s internal difficulties, leaving the party with only one MLA out of twelve.
Regarding an invitation from KHNAM leaders to return to their party, Lyngdoh thanked them but noted that KHNAM has been dissolved twice and lacks public recognition, making a revival difficult.
(4FrontMedia news)
