SHILLONG: Setting speculations at rest, UDP has assured that it would not withdraw support from ARPA, which runs the KHADC.
“The party has no intention to come out of ARPA. We would like to remain the alliance for the next five years,” senior UDP MDC and KHADC Deputy CEM Teinwell Dkhar said here on Thursday. The Deputy CEM also said that the party had full confidence in HSPDP MDC and CEM Ardent Basaiawmoit.
After the refusal of HSPDP and KHNAM to support UDP candidate Paul Lyngdoh in the Shillong Lok Sabha seat, there was apprehension that UDP would withdraw its support from ARPA, of which all three parties are members.
Dkhar said there had never been such a decision taken by the party and in fact there was no directive from the party high command to withdraw its support. “ARPA is still strong and intact and we are working together serve the people.” He was also of the opinion that HSPDP had the right to lead since it had the numbers.
Dhkar denied reports that most of the UDP MDCs were planning to associate with Opposition Congress and said that the members had not expressed any resentment against the present leader of the district council.
“The question of working together with the Congress does not arise. The UDP will always be part of the ARPA,” Dkhar reiterated.