Lanong sees no merit in shaking hands with new parties

SHILLONG: UDP working president Bindo M Lanong on Thursday defended the party’s decision to have alliance with only two local parties saying it would not shake hands with every new party.
The senior leader was replying to a question about a united regional force and why a local alliance consists of only three parties — UDP, HSPDP and GNC.
The senior leader said there was no harm if local parties face each other in the poll battlefield as national parties do.
Responding to a query, Lanong defended UDP’s decision to have a three-party alliance. “Every new party that comes up, do you think we will hook them together as many of them may win or may not win; besides many of them have understanding with other parties.”
He said the People’s Democratic Front was attacking UDP and “it appears that it is with BJP”.
“Many regional parties in the state will be wiped out after the elections as it has
happened with even many national political parties in the country,” he added.
In an earlier interview, Lanong had said a regional coalition would form the government after the Assembly elections. Criticising BJP, Lanong said it would cease to exist if it does not honour the Constitution.
The veteran leader said the saffron party would not last long if it goes against the Constitution, which will be harmful for the country’s peace and unity.
BJP has been blamed for the communal violence carried out by right-wing fringe groups against minorities in several states and accused of trying to control food habits.