UDP sets target to win more than 30 seats in 2023

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 10, 2022

The United Democratic Party (UDP) has set a target to win more than 30 seats in the upcoming 2023 Assembly elections in the state.

Addressing at the inauguration of the party office building as part of its 25^th Foundation Day celebration, UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh said the voice of the people says that UDP is the only hope for the state.

“Next year it will be 25 years after the party had won 20 seats in 1998. I feel the party should win more than 30 seats in 2023,” Lyngdoh, who is also currently the Assembly Speaker, said.

He said that the reality and the facts at the ground level are very clear this time as the people are taking the UDP as their only hope in 2023.

Asserting the need to listen to the voice of the people, Lyngdoh said, “It is up to the leaders of the party how to respond to this expectation and take a wise decision. Therefore, we will take a decision together as together we can (achieve our goal).”

He said although the party is yet to declare its official candidates, people from many of the constituencies have come to join its fold which is a good sign for the upcoming elections.

Stating that the party had conducted a lot of surveys ahead of elections, Lyngdoh said, “We have also listened to (the advice) of so many leaders (on how to lead the party to victory).”

He also warned, “In such a process, it might hurt one or two but please understand the party is for all and not for only a few individuals.”

Lyngdoh also reminded that the wave of the UDP has been growing since 2018 when the party was able to win as many as three by-elections held at Ranikor, Shella and Mawphlang constituency.

Stating the need to listen to the voice of the people, the UDP chief said, “If you listen to the voice of the people, you don’t need money (to win elections).”

Earlier, Lyngdoh also recalled that the UDP was formed with an aim to unite all the regional forces in the state. According to him, efforts to unite regional parties are still on.

Meanwhile, cabinet minister Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, who is likely to quit the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) for seeking re-election on a UDP ticket from Mawkyrwat, was also present during the occasion.

Other sitting legislators who attended the function include suspended Congress legislator from Nongpoh Mayralborn Syiem and opposition AITC legislator from Sutnga-Saipung Shitlang Pale. Both are also likely to join the UDP ahead of the 2023 polls.