Shillong, Sept 7: United Democratic Party leader Paul Lyngdoh has said the party has been sinking after his exit from the state Cabinet.
His statement comes amid speculation that 9 out of 12 UDP legislators are preparing to merge with the BJP.
“As I had said the other day, a good number of MLAs have established contact with the top BJP leadership. This shows not everything is hunky-dory in the UDP,” said Lyngdoh, the West Shillong MLA.
The former cabinet minister said party MLAs were kept busy with development works during his tenure.
“When I was in the Cabinet, I tried my level best to perform. That meant party MLAs were also kept busy and many projects and schemes were initiated in their constituencies. After that, you all know what happened,” he said.
Lyngdoh added, “It would be wrong on my part to praise myself, but what is happening now indicates the level to which the party is sinking.”
He said it was painful to see the fate of a party born out of the Hills State movement.
“As a champion of regionalism, I find it very unfortunate that a party once linked to the Hills State movement is now facing the prospect of being reduced to one or two MLAs. I don’t want to blame any individual for the UDP’s failure,” he said.
When asked if the party needs new leadership, he said, “That analysis should come from the fourth estate. Like at this Langsning FC programme, a player cannot assess his own performance. It is the coach and the spectators who judge the calibre of each player.”
