Shillong, October 31: United Democratic Party (UDP) President Metbah Lyngdoh on Saturday resigned as a Cabinet Minister in the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-II (MDA-II) government following the defection of all 11 UDP legislators to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National People’s Party (NPP).
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh announced that he had decided to step down from the Conrad K. Sangma-led government after the 11 legislators deserted the UDP, leaving him as the party’s lone MLA in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. “All 11 UDP MLAs have left me and the party alone. After giving serious thought to the situation, I have decided to resign as a minister in the MDA government led by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma,” Lyngdoh said.
He confirmed that he had submitted his resignation letter to the Chief Minister on Saturday evening. “I have sent my resignation letter to the Chief Minister this evening,” he stated. Explaining the reasons behind his decision, Lyngdoh said the recent political developments had compelled him to reassess his position in the government and take what he described as a mature and responsible decision. “After thoroughly examining the political situation from every angle, I felt that I must take a mature and responsible decision by stepping down from my position as a Cabinet Minister,” he said.
The UDP President further informed that the party would convene another meeting to deliberate on whether it should continue its association with the NPP-led MDA-II coalition government. He said the party would collectively decide its future political course, particularly regarding its continued participation in the ruling alliance. The resignation comes amid a major political crisis within the UDP following the defection of 11 of its 12 legislators, with eight joining the BJP and three merging with the NPP. The UDP has been a coalition partner in the MDA-II government alongside the NPP, BJP and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).
