SHILLONG: With Congress reduced to political dust in the Meghalaya Assembly, all eyes now turn to the United Democratic Party (UDP) as whispers of defection swirl—but the party’s new general secretary, Titostarwell Chyne, isn’t having any of it.
Chyne has confidently stated that the MLAs will never abandon the party.
Notably, his statement came days after the lone Congress MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh left the party to join the NPP, leaving the grand old party MLA-less in the 60-member House.
The UDP is not worried nor concerned about its MLAs jumping ships, Chyne said, adding, “Our MLAs are respectful, people we can trust and no matter what, they will never leave the party that ensured their victory (sic)”.
To a question on MLAs leaving their respective parties to join NPP for development’s sake, Chyne said, the chief minister himself made very clear that all MLAs – irrespective of whether they belong to the ruling or the opposition can enter his chamber anytime – which reflects the CM’s willingness to work with everyone.
“I am hopeful that the chief minister will pay equal attention to the needs of all the MLAs; so allegations of representatives not receiving their due share of attention in terms of development is not true (sic),” Chyne added.
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Titos on KHADC’s Affairs
Chyne, who is also the former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), has revealed that there is no coordination between the ruling and the opposition in the council.
To a query on the style of functioning of the ruling Voice of the People Party (VPP) in the KHADC, Chyne refused to comment, however, stated that the opposition members have no idea what the MDCs in the ruling bench are doing.
The people chose the VPP because they wanted change, he said, adding – let the people be the judge – let them experience the kind of changes that has taken place in the KHADC.
“The UDP welcome the change of guards in the council. Now that the VPP is in power, whether or not it can bring about change – we leave it to the people to judge,” he said.
“This doesn’t mean that we are discouraged but we will continue to show the people through our actions, by working hard to nurture people who are responsible, accountable and knowledgeable to lead not just the district council but the state as a whole,” Chyne said.
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New office bearers of the UDP
It may be mentioned that Chyne was elected as the new general secretary of the UDP following the resignation of Jemino Mawthoh in June this year. Prior to this, he was serving as the working president of the party.
He assured to work for the welfare of the party, to ensure that the activeness of members in all districts and to strengthen the grassroots.
“We don’t want the party to be visible only during elections, but a party that works proactively in all seasons,” he said.
