SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has reiterated that it is open for alliance with like-minded parties for the upcoming elections.
UDP General Secretary Jemino Mawthoh has said the party welcomes like-minded entities “with open arms” for an alliance.
He, however, said the problem lies with other political parties who despite the best efforts of UDP have not responded positively on an alliance. “Even if there is no response, we are going ahead with our campaign and the party is picking up its pace in many constituencies where candidates want to contest on UDP ticket,” he added.
Asserting that the party would sail through in the 2018 elections, Mawthoh said selection of candidates for the 2018 polls will be over by March this year.
“There is an anti-Congress wave in Meghalaya and BJP has a long way to go and UDP is the alternative for the people of the State,” the leader said.
Earlier, veteran leader S.D Khongwir stressed on the need to have understanding, trust and respect among the regional parties as they prepare for the 2018 Assembly polls.
UDP meet inconclusive
on KHADC affairs
The meeting called by the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Friday to discuss the KHADC CEM’s replies to the nine-point query remained inconclusive.
The media were told that the meeting was scheduled at 5 pm. However, it began around 6.30 pm.
The meeting went on till 9:25 pm after which the press decided to leave. It is unknown whether the meeting ended or continued after the media left.
UDP had sent its nine-point query to KHADC chief executive member P.N Syiem. The queries were about the purported misappropriation of Rs 16 lakh belonging to the Forest Department, lack of transparency in the allotment of land in Ri Bhoi with a compensation of Rs 23 lakh and matters related to providing loan to the Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum.
UDP also took note of the decision of the executive committee to extend the service of its secretary Welljune Syiemlieh and his appointment as Principal Secretary, a post that was unknown to the Council.
The delay in making public the magisterial inquiry report on the illegal transfer of Rs 2 crore to private bank accounts, especially to that of Syiemlieh, has irked UDP.
UDP has also sought a clarification on the move of Syiem to form a regional party.
A special committee of the UDP on KHADC affairs had set February 16 deadline to Syiem to clarify on the points.
Syiem sent a letter to the UDP Parliamentary Party chairman pertaining to the clarification on the nine point queries on Thursday evening. The probe report will be placed during the District Council session beginning on February 20.
