‘I may be soft, but not weak’; UDP chief targets majority in 2018 polls
SHILLONG: Ending differences in the party over the issue of leadership, the present party president Donkupar Roy was again re-nominated to the top post of the party on Saturday.
Though there were media reports that former Deputy Chief Minister Bindo Lanong and young leader Paul Lygdoh were in the race for the post of the party president, the party later arrived at a consensus.
Earlier in the day, the nomination committee of the UDP met and recommended the names of the office bearers of the party which was approved by the general council meeting of the party later.
Besides Roy, legislator from Nongthymmai Jemino Mawthoh was nominated as the general secretary .
Allan Dkhar, who was holding the post of General Secretary has been appointed as Vice President of the party among other Vice Presidents approved by the general council
Senior party leader Bindo Lanong and legislator Paul Lyngdoh will continue to hold the post of working presidents of the party. (Full list in page 10)
Speaking to reporters after the party meeting, Roy said that the UDP will work hard to ensure the victory of the party in the 2018 Assembly polls.
Roy said that with the efforts of all, the UDP will emerge as the single largest party or secure majority on its own to form the government after the 2018 Assembly polls.
To a query, the UDP leader said that in the fight between the Congress and BJP which are national parties, the UDP will gain more during the Assembly elections in 2018 even as he added that the party was open to have alliance with likeminded parties.
He said all the leaders of the party should be well aware of the local problems being faced by the people.
According to Roy, there are many issues which are affecting the people beyond the failures of the state government and the change in politics at the Centre.
He pointed out that the State Assembly is the right forum to raise issues concerning the people of the state.
To a question, Roy said that though he is termed as soft, he is never weak in taking decisions.
“I have never succumbed to any pressure from any quarters while taking decisions”, Roy added.
Asked about the demand for entrusting the leadership of the party to young leaders, the UDP president said that everyone will be taken on board.