Shillong, May 22: United Democratic Party (UDP) chief Metbah Lyngdoh on Friday underscored the need for regional parties to unite, saying safeguarding the interests of Meghalaya must take precedence over political rivalry with national parties.
Asked on the BJP’s attempt to wipe out regional parties across the country, Lyngdoh said political realignments are not new.
“The merger of political parties is always there. Earlier it was Congress, then TMC came, and now the BJP. They have two MLAs and have been here for the past couple of years. They have every right to seek support from the people of the state,” he said.
But for regional forces, he said, the priority is different. “That is why we keep stressing the platform of unity — of coming together, of forging alliances among regional parties. I have repeatedly invited other regional parties to join a common platform, like the RDA we now have between the UDP and HSPDP. That is what the people of the state expect.”
Pointing to Meghalaya’s small population, Lyngdoh said the issue demands seriousness.
“When you look at our population, it is a matter of concern. We have to be serious about it. Playing politics for the sake of it is not good.”
He clarified he was not targeting national parties. “National parties have to look at national interest. But for us as a regional party, what comes first is the people of our state, the people of our region. We move ahead on that ground.”
With new political outfits emerging frequently, Lyngdoh said consolidation is key.
“There are many issues coming up, and new political parties keep emerging from time to time. So we must unite first, rather than focus too much on national parties.”
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