Shillong: The United Democratic Party (UDP), one of the oldest and second-largest regional parties in Meghalaya, has renewed its call for all regional forces, including the Voice of the People Party (VPP), to unite under a single banner to safeguard the interests of the indigenous people.
“Whichever party claims to be a regional party, it is high time for us to think seriously and see that we come together and work as one,” said UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh on Wednesday.
When asked if this includes the VPP, he responded, “Whoever claims to be a regional party and for the indigenous people, that is what we would like, and that is why we are working together with HSPDP.”
Lyngdoh emphasized the urgent need for regional parties to unite and collaborate for the welfare of the indigenous population.
Highlighting the distinction between national and regional parties, Lyngdoh stated, “The regional parties’ objective is for the interest of the local and indigenous people while respecting other communities as well. The difference with national parties is that they have to look at the national interest, whereas we are a local party with a regional outlook.”
Drawing from his 16-17 years of political experience and the state’s political history, Lyngdoh remarked, “We have seen that having multiple regional parties in the state is not a good sign for the future of the indigenous people and those working for them.”
Currently, the state has the UDP, HSPDP, and VPP as regional forces, while other parties include the Congress, BJP, NPP, and TMC. Although the UDP and HSPDP are already working together under the banner of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), the VPP has chosen to stand alone.
The recent formation of the MDA coalition 2.0 saw the dissolution of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), with its two MLAs joining the NPP, marking the end of the PDF.
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