Shillong, Nov 1: In an expected move after losing as many as 11 MLAs, the United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh on Saturday resigned as a cabinet minister in the Conrad Sangma-led MDA government.
“After 11 MLAs have left me as the lone MLA and the party, after very thorough and careful consideration, I have taken the decision that I will not be able to continue as Cabinet Minister in the MDA government,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
The lone UDP legislator tendered his resignation from the cabinet to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma with immediate effect.
Lyngdoh, who was inducted into the cabinet in September last year, was handling Power, Water Resources, Taxation and Textiles departments.
“Considering the nature of the political scenario in the state, I feel I should take a decision as a mature person,” he said citing the massive political setback in the party.
He said the UDP would take a call on continuance of the party’s support to the MDA government.
“I will leave it to the party, to CEC office bearers to take a call and suggest accordingly,” he said.
The CEC meeting is scheduled for November 3.
He, however, ruled out any pressure behind his decision to resign as a minister.
“This decision is not taken under any kind of pressure,” he said.
When asked if MDA partners backstabbed UDP by poaching MLAs, he said, “I have nothing to say as far as that part is concerned.”
