Shillong, September 10: Amid speculation that nine of its 12 MLAs may join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Thursday said it remains open to dialogue and is prepared to consider changes in the party leadership if required to keep the organisation united.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said the party has so far received no official communication from any MLA regarding plans to defect. “No official letter or information has come from any MLA till today,” Chyne said. He said he had repeatedly contacted the MLAs concerned but had not received any clear indication about their intentions.
According to Chyne, despite several meetings and telephone conversations, the MLAs had neither confirmed nor denied reports that they were considering joining another political party.
Addressing suggestions that dissatisfaction within the party could be linked to the leadership, Chyne said any grievances should be discussed openly within the organisation instead of assigning blame.
He said the posts of party president and general secretary were not the personal property of any individual and existed solely in the interest of the party. “If there is any problem regarding me also and I am not fit to be general secretary, you can point it out directly. The post of president or general secretary is not personal property. It is for the party’s interest. The door is always open to discuss grievances,” he said.
Chyne informed that an emergency meeting of the UDP Central Executive Committee (CEC) has been convened on Friday, coinciding with the party’s foundation day. Invitations have been sent to all party MLAs, MDCs, presidents, secretaries and CEC members, with the meeting expected to discuss the prevailing situation in addition to the foundation day programme.
On whether UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh could be asked to step down amid the reported revolt, Chyne said the leadership was prepared to make changes if that would help prevent defections and strengthen the party. “If Metbah or I am the reason they want to defect, I am ready to tell him to step down so that we can reconstruct and strengthen the party. But demanding removal without reason is uncalled for,” he said.
Asked whether the reported dissatisfaction among the MLAs was linked to the recent Cabinet reshuffle, Chyne said he was unaware of any such connection, adding that Cabinet appointments were the prerogative of the Chief Minister.
