Shillong , September 24: United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh on Thursday remained guarded about the political setback suffered by his party following the defection of eight legislators to the BJP.
Asked whether the UDP would seek the disqualification of the legislators, Lyngdoh said the party would announce its course of action later. “I will come back to you, whatever there is for us to do,” he told reporters.
Reacting to the MLAs’ decision to switch parties, the UDP chief said, “Those who joined, let them join. That is their personal decision.”
When asked whether the party would follow the Congress, which sought the disqualification of five legislators who joined the NPP, Lyngdoh declined to comment on the actions of other political parties. “I have nothing to say about other parties,” he said.
Lyngdoh also dismissed questions about whether he felt betrayed by legislators whom he had trusted, telling reporters, “Is it? I think you should join politics.”
The eight legislators who joined the BJP are Cabinet minister Lahkmen Rymbui from Amlarem, Kyrmen Shylla from Khliehriat; Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah from Mawphlang; Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah from Sohiong; Balajied Kupar Synrem from Shella; Mayralborn Syiem from Nongpoh; Pius Marwein from Ranikor; and Olan Sing Suin from Mawsynram.
Hours after the switch, the UDP suspended Shylla, Kurbah and Suin for allegedly failing to respond to show-cause notices issued over their announcement that they would join another political party.
