Shillong: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has decided to withdraw from the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-II) government following the resignation of its president and lone Cabinet representative, Metbah Lyngdoh.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC), at a meeting on Tuesday, unanimously decided that withdrawing from the government would be in the party’s best interest.
Chyne clarified that Lyngdoh’s resignation was voluntary and not prompted by any external pressure.
“There is no pressure. The president, on his own will and decision, after consultation with party leaders, has taken the decision to submit his resignation,” he said.
Dismissing suggestions that the move was a setback, Chyne said the party would now focus on strengthening its organisational base and expanding its presence across Meghalaya.
He said the UDP would reach out to constituencies where it currently has neither an MLA nor a district council member as part of its efforts to rebuild ahead of the next political contest.
“There is no setback. We have taken the decision with one mind that it is better for us,” he said.
Chyne also maintained that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) had sufficient numbers to continue governing without the UDP.
He pointed out that the NPP has 36 MLAs and enjoys the support of 11 legislators who had earlier joined the BJP, besides the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).
With its withdrawal, the UDP is set to move to the Opposition benches, shifting its focus towards organisational consolidation and rebuilding its political strength across the state.
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