Shillong, September 11: The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Friday sought to downplay speculation of an internal crisis, insisting that the party remains united despite six of its MLAs staying away from an emergency Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting and foundation day celebrations, even as around 20 party functionaries from Sohiong resigned.
The six MLAs who were absent were West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh, Sohiong MLA Synshar Roy Kupar Lyngdoh, Mawphlang MLA Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein, Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla and Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said the emergency CEC meeting was successful and was attended by party leaders from different parts of the state, including Garo Hills and East and West Jaintia Hills. “We had a very good emergency CEC meeting. Leaders from Garo Hills, East and West Jaintia Hills have come,” Chyne told reporters.
Claiming that five MLAs attended the meeting, he dismissed reports of an imminent defection. “As of today, there is no such thing. There is no question of jumping or leaving the party. They will remain as it is,” Chyne said. “Our party is intact, our MLAs are intact,” he asserted, while acknowledging that the party could not predict future developments. “As they have clarified before the CEC, there is no such move as of now. We cannot anticipate what will happen tomorrow,” he said.
Explaining the absence of some legislators, Chyne said Sohiong MLA Synshar Roy Kupar Lyngdoh had informed the party about a death in his family, while Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein was out of station. The other MLAs, he said, had prior engagements. “We are united as of today,” he said.
On the absence of the legislators from the party’s foundation day programme, Chyne said all MLAs had been invited but the party could not compel them to attend if they were occupied elsewhere.
He also dismissed speculation surrounding visits by UDP legislators to Delhi and reports that they may have met senior BJP leaders. “MLAs are free to fly to Delhi or Kolkata. It is not our outlook to check where they go. They can meet Union ministers or the Prime Minister. It does not mean that once they meet Amit Shah or the Prime Minister, they will join the BJP,” Chyne said.
He pointed out that he too meets Union ministers and BJP leaders, but such meetings should not automatically be interpreted as plans to switch parties. Chyne also rejected reports of dissatisfaction with UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh, saying the issue had been discussed during the CEC meeting and the legislators had clarified that they had no problem with the party leadership. “I am not an expert to judge body language. I saw them, they are happy, smiling, shaking hands, and they gave speeches in the meeting. If they did not attend, that would be suspicious. They attended and informed,” he said.
On the possibility of a leadership change, Chyne said there was no such proposal before the party and that any decision on whether the current president should continue would be taken by the UDP general council.
The party’s assertion of unity, however, came amid the resignation of around 20 functionaries and members of the UDP Sohiong Circle and various units under Sohiong constituency. The resignations were submitted on Thursday to the president and general secretary of the UDP Sohiong Circle.
In a statement, the members did not spell out specific reasons for leaving the party, saying only that the decision had been taken due to “unavoidable circumstances.” Sources, however, indicated that the group may be preparing to join the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), possibly by September 15. The development comes amid continuing political speculation over the future of several UDP legislators, including reports that a group of party MLAs could be considering a shift to the BJP.
