Shillong, September 16: United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh on Wednesday described reports that eight of the party’s MLAs are preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a “half-truth”, even as some legislators have publicly indicated their intention to switch parties. “Speculation will always be speculation. For me I consider it like this – it is neither true nor false. So, it is half-truth,” Lyngdoh told reporters when asked about the status of the eight MLAs.
He acknowledged that the issue had been discussed within the party and that the possibility of some legislators joining other political parties had been under consideration. “The status of the speculation that has been doing the rounds for all these weeks, in fact as a party we already had our meeting and it is understood to whatever extent things were very much there under the consideration of those MLAs who wish to join the other political parties,” he said.
Lyngdoh said the party leadership has been engaging with the legislators in an effort to clear any doubts or misunderstandings, but maintained that no concrete dissatisfaction with the UDP or its leadership has been communicated. “So far, we do not come across any kind of dissatisfaction from all elected MLAs, whatever they have expressed be it one-to-one or be it in the meeting which we have had from time to time,” he said.
He added that one or two MLAs had even stated publicly that they had nothing against either the party or its leadership. Asked how many of the UDP’s 12 MLAs remained with him, Lyngdoh said he continued to regard the entire legislature party as one unit. “For me I consider all the 12 MLAs are together as one. The question of being with me or not does not arise because we are under one umbrella, under one roof and we are under one party,” he said.
The UDP chief said the party was continuing talks with the legislators reportedly planning to leave, but added that they had not made their timeline clear. “So far from them also they have not been very clear whether they will join today or they will join tomorrow. That is what it was stated from time to time that it all depends on the time, so let’s wait for the time only,” he said.
Lyngdoh said the party had made repeated attempts to engage with the MLAs and understand whether there were any grievances that could be addressed before they took a final decision.
Meanwhile, the UDP president also hinted at possible disciplinary action against West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh over recent remarks critical of the party leadership. Without naming him directly, Metbah said the party had taken note of statements made by one of its MLAs which it considered to be against the party. “One of the MLAs of the party has given some statement which is very much against the party and we are taking note of it and we will sit and see what decision as a party we will take in due course of time,” he said.
Paul Lyngdoh had recently questioned Metbah’s leadership, citing the departure of former UDP leaders including Bindo M. Lanong, Jemino Mawthoh and Ardent Basaiawmoit. Responding to the criticism, Metbah said he did not want to speak in his own defence and would leave it to others to assess his performance. “Well, I need not respond to that question. It will be better for others to do that on my behalf, perhaps it will be appropriate,” he said.
Defending his record in public life, Metbah said that whether as UDP president, MLA or minister, he had always tried to carry out responsibilities entrusted to him with sincerity. “Any kind of role and responsibility assigned to me, I will ensure that I perform and deliver to the expectation of those who have put in whatever capacity and this is with all honesty and sincerity I will try to do the best I could,” he said.
