UDP gears up for District Council Polls: Metbah confident of Party's strong comeback

Shillong, Oct 6: United Democratic Party (UDP) President Metbah Lyngdoh has expressed confidence in his party’s preparedness for the upcoming district council polls. Lyngdoh confirmed that the UDP has been actively working on its strategy and is ready to compete with full strength in the upcoming elections.

“We are already working on the preparation for the district council polls, and we are definitely ready to fight,” said Lyngdoh when asked about the UDP’s prospects in the elections.

When pressed about the Voice of the People Party (VPP) potentially sweeping the polls, Lyngdoh remained focused on his own party’s agenda. “I’m not concerned about other political parties. I’m more concerned about our own party. We have capable leaders who are working hand in hand, and I am very sure that we will be well-prepared for the elections,” he asserted.

In response to claims that some UDP leaders had supported the VPP during the recent MP elections, Lyngdoh clarified the situation. “We have found that many of our supporters, who had left, have now returned. While I haven’t had the time to delve into the reasons behind this shift, I understand that those leaders and supporters who once backed other political parties have made up their minds to return to the UDP for the MDC elections.”

He emphasized that the party’s primary focus remains on its own growth and strength, brushing aside concerns about the impact of other regional parties like the VPP. “Our party’s concern is that we work for the interest of our own. Those who supported other parties in the MP elections have come back. In my constituency, too, many who didn’t support us last time are now backing our candidate.”

Lyngdoh also addressed concerns about keeping UDP leaders and supporters unified ahead of the elections. “It’s not about ensuring that our flocks stay together. Those who supported other parties in the MP elections have returned on their own, which shows that they have realized this is different. The performance of our party in the district councils from 2019 to 2023 has been very good, and we will share more details on that soon,” he added.

Asked about the Congress party’s alliance with the National People’s Party (NPP) in the district council, Lyngdoh responded diplomatically. “It’s up to them. They are with the NPP, but we are prepared to fight any party.”

On the issue of the proposed 125th Amendment to the Constitution, which seeks to bring reforms to district councils in the Northeast, Lyngdoh acknowledged its potential benefits but voiced some concerns. “Yes, it will bring about reforms to some extent, but there are a few aspects to which we have raised objections, and we will continue to do so.”

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