Shillong: Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) spokesperson and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader, Paul Lyngdoh, has commented on the recent electoral setbacks faced by the UDP and other MDA partners, asserting that populist waves in politics are temporary.
Speaking to the media, Lyngdoh acknowledged the unexpected results of the elections but emphasised that the emergence of the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) as a significant player in Meghalaya’s politics is now a confirmed reality.
Lyngdoh attributed the UDP’s poor performance to several factors, including a late start to their campaign. “Our candidate could only start moving after January, limiting our campaign to certain areas, especially market areas. We couldn’t penetrate deeper than that,” he explained. Despite the loss, Lyngdoh expressed confidence that the party would bounce back, emphasizing the need for introspection and strategic planning.
The UDP leadership plans to meet soon to take stock of the situation. Lyngdoh also commented on the downslide of the BJP, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite earlier confidence in securing over 400 seats, is now trying to establish strong links with other allies, as the BJP does not have a mandate based solely on its own strength.
“These fluctuations are common in politics. The fact that we’ve hit rock bottom means there is no way for us to go lower than this. Our only option is to bounce back,” Lyngdoh said.
Responding to the VPP’s plans to replace all regional parties in the state, Lyngdoh stated, “This is a common statement they will make with the mandate they have got. But the fact is, in the assembly, the UDP has 12 MLAs and the HSPDP has 2, making us a sizeable block. We also have a strong presence in both the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council.”
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
After the defeat, the UDP plans to introspect, gauge the situation, and gather feedback from party leaders at district and constituency levels. Based on the inputs received, they will formulate a counter-strategy.
Regarding the VPP’s demand for the MDA government to step down, Lyngdoh pointed out that Meghalaya has three elections within every five-year cycle. “Are you saying that any government should be replaced after every single election? Then what kind of government will we have? If we step down after losing the mandate, who will replace the MDA? What happens to governance in Meghalaya? Is there an alternative to the MDA? We have been elected for a specific time frame, which is five years,” he questioned.
Also Read | Meghalaya: Rare plant discovered; faces tourism threat