Is the HSPDP heading for split? This is the question currently doing rounds in the political circles here following reports of sharp division of opinions among the senior party leaders over the question of so called unity with the APHLC.
Although HSPDP leaders are tightlipped, reliable reports say that the two factions are heading for show-down at the party’s CEC meet billed for Sept 25 meet billed for Sept 25 when the unity issue will be taken up once again. Reports say that the pro-unity lobby has taken an inflexible stand on the issue. This group has the backing of majority of the elected representatives. Except for Mr Hopingstone Lyngdoh and Mr Tuberlin Lyngdoh, all the MLAs from the two Khasi Hills districts favour unity. One MLA from Jaintia Hills is likely to stand by the party president.
The unity move has gone sour over a new proposal, reportedly advanced with the blessings of Mr Hopingstone Lyngdoh, suggesting that the unity should be achieved without sinking the respective party identities. “This proposal”, said one of the detractors, “bas come too late in the day. We cannot eat the cake and have been if too.” He further said “if the party leaders are not keen on honouring the people’s desire then they alone will be responsible for the consequences.”
Meanwhile, speculations are afoot about the possible impact of the schism in the HSPDP. Will the pro-unity lobby take the matter to its logical conclusion? Indications are that they will. The APHLC has already endorsed the idea of unity without any reservation. Together it may form the third force, creating grounds for a possible realignment of forces in the political chess board of the State.
The APHLC and the HSPDP have been arch rivals since the later’s sixties. What is now known as the HSPDP is a breakaway faction of the APHLC. It came into being following the ouster of its mentor, Mr Hopingstone Lyngdoh, who has all through been its president.