UDP Rejects Weakening Claims, Backs Metbah Lyngdoh Leadership Amid Exit Row

Reacting to recent remarks by UDP MLA and former minister Paul Lyngdoh, who highlighted the exit of prominent leaders from the party, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said such developments are common in all political parties, including national parties, and do not indicate a decline in the UDP’s strength.

Chyne maintained that the departure of a few leaders does not signify the end of the party, adding that the UDP continues to have a strong leadership base and remains the largest regional political party in Meghalaya.

Defending the leadership of Metbah Lyngdoh, Chyne dismissed suggestions that the exits were a result of weak leadership. He pointed out that the party had improved its tally in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly from six MLAs in 2018 to eleven MLAs in the 2023 Assembly elections.

On reports of a possible split within the UDP Legislature Party, Chyne categorically denied any division and asserted that all UDP legislators remain united and committed to the party.

Meanwhile, the UDP has urged the Election Department to exercise caution during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, particularly in villages along the international border. The party’s concern comes amid apprehensions raised by certain pressure groups that some suspected Bangladeshi nationals may be taking advantage of the process by misusing Khasi surnames to gain inclusion in the electoral rolls.

Chyne said the party expects the authorities to carry out a thorough verification process to ensure that only genuine and eligible citizens are enrolled as voters.