SHILLONG: The political equations within the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) have been cast into uncertainty following a statement by Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) General Secretary, P Ryntathiang, who revealed that the party is yet to decide whether it will support the United Democratic Party (UDP) candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha parliamentary bye-election.
This development comes a day after the UDP unilaterally announced V G Kynta as its official candidate to represent the party in the upcoming mid-term Lok Sabha election. This independent decision by the UDP has thrown a shadow of doubt over the unified functioning of the RDA.
The situation stands in stark contrast to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, during which both the HSPDP and UDP fought under the unified banner of the RDA, jointly fielding Bah Robertjune Kharjahrin as their consensus candidate. However, for the upcoming bye-poll, the alliance’s collective strategy remains highly ambiguous.
Speaking on the matter, Ryntathiang disclosed that despite holding multiple meetings with the UDP leadership to discuss the upcoming election, the HSPDP has not arrived at any final conclusion regarding its endorsement. He emphasized that even though they are partners within the RDA coalition, the HSPDP deems it prudent to carefully examine and thoroughly assess all developments and operational mechanisms surrounding the parliamentary election before delivering a definitive verdict.
Ryntathiang further confirmed that no formal resolution has been reached on whether the party will back the UDP nominee, noting that intensive internal deliberations within the entire party apparatus are currently underway. He indicated that the party expects to bring absolute clarity to the public within the coming week regarding whether the HSPDP will officially extend its support to the UDP for this election.
Concluding his statement, Ryntathiang reiterated that the party leadership has met repeatedly to meticulously analyze the issue, acknowledging that the outcome will have a profound impact on the future of the party and the state as a whole. It is worth recalling that during the 2024 Lok Sabha general elections, the HSPDP-UDP collaboration within the RDA failed to cross the finish line, as their joint candidate Robertjune Kharjahrin was unsuccessful in securing victory.
