The United Democratic Party (UDP), a key partner in the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, on August 5 elected Metbah Lyngdoh as the parliamentary leader of UDP, following the demise of speaker and UDP president Donkupar Roy, on July 28.
Lyngdoh, who was a cabinet minister in Conrad Sangma government, was elected as the chairman of Regional Democratic Alliance, the pre-poll alliance of UDP and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).
”We have unanimously elected Lyngdoh as our PP leader, after a threadbare discussion,” education minister and UDP leader Lahkmen Rymbui said.
The UDP has eight Legislators, including two Independent legislators – Samuel M Sangma and SK Sun, who have become associate members of UDP in the 60-member Assembly. At present, the assembly has 59 members, following the demise of Roy.
HSPDP legislator Renikton Lyngdoh said the RDA has made a new commitment to the MDA and would ensure that the Conrad Sangma-led government completes its full-five year term.
Asked if the RDA is open to other regional parties to be part of the alliance, Lyngdoh said, “We welcome other political parties, who are part of the MDA, to be part of the RDA. The door is open, as long as they are committed to the objective to serve the people”.
The People’s Democratic Front, which has four Legislators and is supporting the ruling MDA government on August 5, also floated the United Progressive Front, with lone Nationalist Congress Party and Independent Legislator Lambor Malangiang, as part of the front.