Shillong, May 22: United Democratic Party ( UDP) will decide its candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll within the next two days.
HSPDP is expected to support the candidature .
Speaking to reporters, the UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh said that the party has already initiated the process of selecting a candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll. “It is still underway, and we expect to reach a conclusion within a day or two,” Lyngdoh said.
Regarding senior advocate VGK Kynta’s name, Lyngdoh said, “There are many names. Most aspirants want the decision to be taken at the party level first. We will inform everyone at the appropriate time.”
Lyngdoh added that talks with the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) are ongoing and a decision will be taken shortly.
Lyngdoh ruled out the possibility of Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar joining the National People’s Party, asserting there is no indication the legislator is leaving the party.
“Supporters are free to move from one party to another, from A to B to C. But elected members are not free to do that. They are bound by the law and have to act accordingly,” Lyngdoh said.
No threat from NPP
He stressed the need for regional parties to unite, saying safeguarding the interests of Meghalaya must take precedence over political rivalry with national parties.
No threat from BJP
When asked about the BJP’s attempt to wipe out regional parties across the country, Lyngdoh said political realignments are not new.
“The merger of political parties is always there. Earlier it was Congress, then TMC came, and now the BJP. They have two MLAs and have been here for the past couple of years. They have every right to seek support from the people of the state,” he said.
