Shillong, August 31: United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh on Monday dismissed reports of a possible merger with the BJP, asserting that all 12 UDP legislators remain with the party and there is no rift within its ranks.
Lyngdoh said he had personally spoken to all the party MLAs and none had expressed any intention of joining the BJP. “There is no problem in the UDP as of now. I have spoken to all MLAs directly, not through third persons, and none of them said they are joining the BJP. I heard this only from the media,” he said.
Rejecting reports that nine UDP legislators were planning to merge with the BJP, Lyngdoh termed them as mere speculation. “Speculations will remain speculation. I will tell you only what is happening,” he said.
He also denied reports that UDP legislators had rushed to Delhi over the past two days in connection with the alleged merger. Lyngdoh said he had remained in Shillong throughout the week and had travelled to Delhi only the previous Monday for an official programme.
He clarified that nine UDP MLAs had earlier met the Union Home Minister in Delhi in connection with the proposed amendment to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), but said the visit had been interpreted differently.
Responding to reports that some UDP legislators were camping in Guwahati and Kolkata, Lyngdoh said four MLAs — Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein, Shella MLA Balajied Synrem, Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla and Sohiong MLA Shynshar Lyngdoh — had travelled to Kolkata on Saturday evening for personal work and not for any political meeting. He added that other party legislators, including Mawphlang MLA B. Kurbah, Mawsynram MLA Olan Sing Suin and Lahkmen Rymbui, were in Shillong. Lyngdoh therefore rejected reports that UDP MLAs had rushed to Guwahati to meet BJP leaders to finalise a merger, describing such reports as incorrect and unnecessary.
The UDP president also denied any discontent among party legislators over his leadership. “I met all the MLAs and asked them. None expressed dissatisfaction with my leadership. They are happy till now,” he said. Lyngdoh appealed to the media to verify information before publishing reports, saying unverified speculation could send a wrong message to the public.
Asked whether there was any attempt to create divisions within the UDP following his induction into the state Cabinet and the dropping of Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla, he rejected the suggestion. “There is nothing as such. Whatever decision was taken, it was taken within the party with the knowledge of everyone who is part and parcel of the party,” Lyngdoh said.
