UDP to decide on new leader next week

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 1, 2019

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is likely to pick its new leader next week, following the recent demise of its president and Assembly Speaker Dr Donkupar Roy.

“The party will be sitting likely by next week to decide on this matter,” UDP leader and cabinet minister Metbah Lyngdoh told reporters here on Thursday, a day after the departed leader was laid to rest at his native village in Shella.

The former chief minister and veteran political leader passed away after a brief illness at Medanta hospital in New Delhi on Sunday last. Dr Donkupar was the president of the UDP since 2003 after former chief minister, late EK Mawlong.

The UDP at present has veteran leader and former deputy chief minister, Bindo M Lanong who has been with the party for many decades. Lanong is the senior working president and he was also recently nominated as member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

But the regional party also has young leaders like former minister, Paul Lyngdoh, former legislator, Jemino Mawthoh and few others. But who is fit to lead the party, is yet to be known.

According to Metbah, the proposed meeting will be attended by all leaders of the party.

The UDP is the main ally of the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government. It was formed in March last year with an understanding that the Speaker’s post should go to the UDP and the chief minister’s post to the NPP.

However, the Speaker’s post has been declared vacant following the demise of Dr Donkupar. The UDP leader is firmed that the party will retain the post as decided from the beginning.

Asked on who will replace Dr Donkupar as the Speaker, Metbah said, “I cannot say at the moment as this matter would also be decided by the elected members along with the approval of the party.”

On whether he is willing to take the post, he said, “From my side I will not say that I will or I will not because again this will depend on the party’s decision,” adding “We have 6-7 MLAs and all are capable.”