Shillong, March 5: United Democratic Party leader Paul Lyngdoh has said he will not contest the forthcoming Shillong parliamentary byelection as his commitment remains on state‑level challenges.
Speaking to reporters, the West Shillong MLA said, “I have entirely focused on state politics because there is so much to be done in the state. There is a clear gap of capable leaders within the state. Therefore, my entire focus as of this moment is within the jurisdiction of Meghalaya,” Lyngdoh said.
The party, he noted, does have capable leaders, but he wants to finish the current assembly term after crossing the halfway point.
“We have just crossed two and a half years of the current house. I would like to ensure that I complete this term to the satisfaction not just of the electorate of West Shillong but also the state,” he added.
Asked whether he would accept a party request to contest the Lok Sabha seat, he replied, “I would politely decline such a request.”
On the GHADC elections, Lyngdoh said the UDP has not yet met to decide its approach.
“As mentioned by the general secretary, we are yet to take any call. I am not aware because the party is yet to meet.”
He added, “I have been preoccupied with the budget session and thereafter preoccupied with activities of the social welfare department.”
UDP MLA sticks to call for democratisation
Meanwhile, Lyngdoh remained mum on questions about internal leadership changes, saying that analysis of party affairs is better left to journalists.
Asked whether there is any move to change the leadership in the UDP, the West Shillong MLA responded, “See, I think it is entirely the job of journalists as opinion makers to also find out and analyze political events. I can’t really comment politically (on the) party to which I belong and say things.”
Pressed further, he added, “If I say everything is alright, you will say this guy is bragging about UDP. If I say everything is wrong, you will say he is criticizing his own party. Why don’t you analyze these events?”
Lyngdoh said his earlier call to broaden internal democracy remains his position.
“I have already spoken about the need to democratise the party. That is on record and it continues to be my stand,” he said.
Asked whether the UDP is undemocratic, he declined to elaborate directly, replying, “You please go back to my earlier statement, why I made that statement and what is the status as of date if you are to analyze that statement.”
