Shillong, Sept 12: Amid reports of imminent defection, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has insisted that its house is in order even as six of its 12 MLAs skipped the party’s central executive committee (CEC) meeting and foundation day celebrations on Friday.
The six absentees are – Paul Lyngdoh (West Shillong), Synshar Roy Kupar Lyngdoh (Sohiong), Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah (Mawphlang), Pius Marwein (Ranikor), Kyrmen Shylla (Khliehriat) and Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh).
“We had a very good emergency CEC meeting. Leaders from Garo Hills, East and West Jaintia Hills have come,” UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne told reporters.
Asked about reports of party MLAs preparing to join BJP, Chyne said, “As of today, there is no such thing. There is no question of jumping or leaving the party.”
“Who created that smoke or fire? We did not create it from our side. Our party is intact, our MLAs are intact,” he asserted.
He, however, added a caveat and said, “As they have clarified before the CEC, there is no such move as of now. We cannot anticipate what will happen tomorrow.”
On the absence rest of the MLAs, Chyne said, “Synshar Kupar informed that there is a death in his family and he could not come. Pius Marwein is not in Shillong. He has gone out of station. Other MLAs informed that they have programmes.”
“We are united as of today,” he said.
On their absence from the foundation day programme, he said, “We invited all. Maybe they are not free. We cannot force anybody if they are occupied.”
Downplaying reports of UDP MLAs camping in Delhi to meet BJP top brass, Chyne said, “MLAs are free to fly to Delhi, Kolkata. It is not our outlook to check where they go. They can meet union ministers, the Prime Minister. It is not that once they meet Amit Shah or the Prime Minister, they will join BJP. I myself meet union ministers, meet BJP leaders, you cannot say I am joining BJP.”
Rubbishing talks of discontent against party president Metbah Lyngdoh, Chyne said, “We discussed that issue also. They have clarified that there is no problem with the leadership of the party.”
“I am not an expert to judge body language. I saw them, they are happy, smiling, shaking hands. They gave speeches in the meeting. If they did not attend, that would be suspicious. They attended and informed,” he said.
