SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has officially decided to sever ties and withdraw its support from the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) II government with immediate effect, reducing the coalition by one more ally.
The MDA II government, which includes the National People’s Party (NPP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), and previously the UDP, is currently led by the NPP.
This significant political development followed an emergency meeting of the UDP Central Executive Committee (CEC) in Shillong.
The high-level gathering was attended by leaders from Garo Hills, Jaintia Hills, and West Khasi Hills, along with all six District Council Members (MDCs) and district presidents and secretaries.
Addressing the media after the meeting, UDP General Secretary Titostarwell Chyne stated that discussions centered around the recent exit of the party president and lone MLA, who stepped down as a cabinet minister in the MDA II government. His resignation letter was submitted last week and accepted by the Chief Minister.
Following detailed deliberations, the CEC unanimously resolved that staying in the coalition was no longer tenable.
The UDP originally joined the alliance following an invitation from the Chief Minister in 2023 when it held 12 seats.
However, with its legislative strength slashed to just a single MLA due to defections—where eight legislators joined the BJP and three joined the NPP—the party felt it lacked the numerical backing and moral standing to continue supporting the government.
With the NPP holding 36 seats alone, the coalition hardly requires external numbers.
The parting of ways will allow the lone MLA and party leadership to focus entirely on reorganizing and strengthening the party at the grassroots level, particularly in constituencies where former representatives defected.
The CEC also discussed upcoming elections for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Because the polls have been postponed twice and a constituency delimitation process is now underway, the UDP decided to temporarily withdraw its previously announced candidate lists to reassess the ground reality once the delimitation concludes.
While formally withdrawing support and submitting a written communication to the state government today, the UDP clarified that it will not engage in blind opposition.
Instead, the party plans to act as a constructive and free voice, raising genuine public grievances and matters affecting citizens whenever necessary.
(4FrontMedia news)
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