UDP gearing up for 2023 Assembly polls, many to join party: Metbah

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 28, 2022

United Democratic Party (UDP) chief Metbah Lyngdoh on Monday said the party is gearing up its preparation for the upcoming 2023 Assembly polls even as many leaders from different political parties have expressed keen interest to join its fold.

“We are in the right direction and all the wings now have been fully activated. We are preparing together to fight in the upcoming general election, to be held next year,” Lyngdoh, who is also Assembly Speaker, told reporters at the sidelines of a meeting of the UDP state youth wing.

He also informed that there will be new members joining the party. “However, their names will be revealed at an appropriate time,” he added.

Also Read | BJP MDC alleges Govt of trying to divert ADC funds

Asked, Lyngdoh said that the party had also talked with a few legislators and they will soon join the party.

Stating that the party will soon constitute the state election committee, the UDP chief said that they are planning to field candidates in all the 60 seats.

“We wanted to field from all the 60 constituencies but it all depends on the candidates,” he said.

Also Read | Kyrmen Shylla elected as new UDP youth president, says party to lead Govt in 2023

On UDP chief adviser Bindo M Lanong’s concern over the decision of the Nongkrem circle to field Independent MLA Lambor Malngiang as party candidate from the constituency, Lyngdoh however said, “This is an internal matter of the party and we are going to sort it out very soon.”

When asked about the AITC’s allegation that the NPP is poaching leaders from the UDP and other MDA partners, Lyngdoh said that he has nothing to say about it.

Also Read | Meghalaya HC gives CS last chance to file affidavit over illegal coal trade 

“(This is because) those who want to join let them join who can stop that. Whoever wants to join they can join,” he said.

If the UDP would also poach leaders of other political parties, the UDP chief said, “It is too early to say. It is not a matter of poaching. I feel that those who are willing to contest from our party, we can talk to them. We had a talk with them also. It is not that we are poaching them but we talk to them,” he added.

Regarding the alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal, Lyngdoh however said that the chief minister must have taken note of what is going on and about the allegations.

“So he (CM) is the right person you should ask but I am sure that he must have looked into this allegation made by different people from different parts of the society,” he said.