SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has dismissed suggestions that it is losing strength following the departure of several senior leaders, maintaining that the party remains united and continues to be Meghalaya’s leading regional political force.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne made the assertion while responding to recent remarks made by party MLA and former minister Paul Lyngdoh, who had referred to the exit of a number of prominent leaders from the organisation over the years.
Among those who have left the party are Bindo M. Lanong, Samuel Sangma, Jemino Mawthoh, Lambor Malngiang, Robertjune Kharjahrin and Aman Warr. Paul had also suggested that the party had moved away from the principles on which it was founded.Reacting to the concerns, Chyne said the departure of leaders is not unusual in politics and pointed out that similar situations occur even in major national parties. “It is natural for party workers and supporters to feel disappointed when leaders leave, but this is not something that happens only in the UDP. Leaders change parties for various political and personal reasons, and such developments can be seen across the political spectrum,” he said.
According to him, the exit of a few leaders should not be interpreted as a sign that a political party is weakening. “A political party does not cease to exist because some leaders or members decide to move on. Every organisation has a new generation of leaders who continue to uphold its vision and contribute to its progress,” Chyne said. Recalling the formation of the UDP through the merger of the Hill People’s Union (HPU), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and Public Demand Implementation Convention (PDIC), he said the party has remained a key force in Meghalaya politics for decades.”The UDP remains among the oldest regional parties in the state. Over the years, many leaders have joined the organisation, some have left and others are no longer with us. Despite that, the party continues to expand and remains the largest regional party in Meghalaya,” he stated.Chyne also noted that several political parties formed over the years have faded away, while the UDP has continued to maintain its presence due to its strong foundation and committed leadership.
Rejecting any suggestion that party president Metbah Lyngdoh was responsible for the recent exits, Chyne pointed to the party’s improved performance in the last Assembly election.”I do not see any shortcomings on the part of the current president that can be linked to the departure of a few leaders. Under his leadership, the party increased its strength from six MLAs in 2018 to 12 MLAs in 2023, which clearly reflects its growing support base,” he said.
On speculation of differences within the UDP Legislature Party, Chyne denied reports of any split and insisted that party legislators remain united.”There is no division within the UDP Legislature Party. We remain united,” he said. While acknowledging that individuals are free to make their own political choices in the future, Chyne said there is currently no indication that any UDP MLA is preparing to leave the party ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.”All our MLAs continue to stand with the party and the Legislature Party remains intact. We cannot predict what individuals may decide in the future, but at present there is no sign of any internal division,” he added.