Shillong, Sep 10: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is hoping to win more than 30 seats in the Assembly elections in 2023, the year when the party will complete 25 years.
Addressing the inauguration of the party office building as part of its 25th Foundation Day celebration, UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh said the voice of the people said 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 the Assembly Speaker, said, adding that the electorate are pinning their hopes on the regional party.
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 though 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). 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.
