Shillong, Aug 19: UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh on Wednesday said the party is addressing concerns raised by its MLAs and asserted that all decisions are taken after consulting stakeholders, even as he denied having any information about reports of a section of legislators planning to join the BJP.
After chairing the party’s Central Executive Council meeting, Lyngdoh acknowledged that differences exist within the UDP but said they are being discussed internally.
“See, in any family, in any party, there are always differences of views, differences of opinions, differences of thought process. And we always ensure that we listen to all of that and address the issues accordingly,” he said.
He stressed that the party has mechanisms in place to resolve grievances.
“Just name me if any political party doesn’t have any kind of differences of views or opinions. That will always be there. So in the event of any such kind of thing that comes up, we always provide the platform where we can discuss, share and sort it out. We have different platforms where we discuss — party meetings, CEC and different platforms,” Lyngdoh said.
“Secondly, I would like to mention here very clearly that in the event of any kind of decision to be taken, we ensure that all those are taken into consideration through consultations with each and every stakeholder of the party,” he added.
On allegations that some UDP MLAs are considering a merger with the BJP, Lyngdoh said he was not aware.
“I have no idea about that. I would like to ask from you, who are they, what are their names? Then only I will clarify. I don’t know anything about it,” he said.
The UDP chief was also asked about the recent visit of party MLAs to Delhi.
Referring to a statement by senior leader Lahkmen Rymbui, he said the trip was mainly to discuss FCRA issues with the Union Home Minister.
“You must have seen the press statement shared by Lahkmen Rymbui in detail. I think that suffices for the queries. So purely, first of all, the most important thing was FCRA. And since they have met the Home Minister in Delhi, he took advantage, along with the group, to share other concerns also which are related to the state,” Lyngdoh said.
“They have gone and discussed in person. That is the most important thing. So we have addressed those concerns which the state as a whole is facing, some sections of society,” he added.
Lyngdoh said the CEC meeting also focused on strengthening the organization ahead of upcoming political challenges.
“Most pertinent issues are basically how to strengthen the party further. That is a major part. So as far as the party strategy is concerned, we leave it within the party. We will go as per the party line. We will ensure that part reaches up to the grassroot level,” he said.
Paul calls for meeting to address MLA grievances
Meanwhile, UDP leader and West Shillong legislator Paul Lyngdoh downplayed reports of internal discord in the United Democratic Party, but urged the party president to immediately convene a parliamentary party meeting to address concerns raised by MLAs.
Asked about allegations of “rumblings” within the UDP, Lyngdoh said such discussions are common across political parties.
“There are rumblings in almost every political party but those are being debated and discussed as we speak,” Lyngdoh told reporters after a special party meeting.
He added that the immediate priority for the party is to strengthen internal cohesion.
“The focus is on strengthening the bonding within the party,” he said.
On the way forward, Lyngdoh said the view within the party council is that grievances aired by UDP MLAs should be addressed at the earliest.
“The view of the council is that the party president should immediately call a parliamentary party meeting and discuss all grievances aired by the MLAs in the party,” he said.
Responding to speculation that some UDP legislators are planning to merge with the BJP, Lyngdoh said he had no concrete information on the matter.
“I have only heard rumours but I am not in a position to comment since I don’t have much information,” he said.
