SHILLONG : United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Robertjune Kharjahrin has resigned from the party with immediate effect, stepping down both as Vice President of the Central Executive Committee (CEC) and from the primary membership of the UDP.
In his resignation letter dated June 3, 2026, Kharjahrin cited deep disagreement with the party’s recent political decisions, particularly the decision of UDP legislators to support National People’s Party (NPP) candidate James Sangma for the Rajya Sabha election.
Kharjahrin described the move as politically contradictory at a time when the UDP is simultaneously preparing to contest against the NPP in the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha bye-election.
He said that supporting the NPP in one election while opposing the same party in another sends a confusing message to voters and weakens the political credibility of the UDP.
“The party cannot ask the public to reject the NPP in the Lok Sabha bye-election while facilitating its political advancement in another election,” he stated in the letter.
Kharjahrin further alleged that the decision to back the NPP candidate was taken without the mandate or approval of the UDP’s Central Executive Committee.
Calling the development “opportunistic politics” driven by “political convenience,” he said he could no longer reconcile the decision with his conscience and principles.
The former UDP leader stated that he would continue serving the people of Meghalaya outside the party framework.
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The resignation comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the Shillong Lok Sabha bye-election, necessitated by the demise of sitting MP Dr. Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon earlier this year.
The UDP has already announced senior advocate Vivanstone G. Kharngapkynta as its candidate for the upcoming parliamentary contest.
