UDP mulls grand alliance of like-minded political parties

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is toying with the idea of forming a grand alliance of all regional parties in the State for the upcoming 2018 Assembly elections.
Speaking to media persons here on Monday after the central executive committee (CEC) of the party, Leader of the Opposition Donkupar Roy said UDP is open to forming an alliance with like-minded parties.
When asked if the party would be open to aligning with BJP, he said corruption in the State is the main issue and now almost all political parties in the North East are part of the North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a body promoted by BJP. “Our stand is corruption-free State and development,” he added.
Meanwhile, UDP working president Bindo M. Lanong clarified that the party will not tolerate any restriction on food habits of the people in Meghalaya.
Lanong was referring to the recent ban on cow slaughter in the BJP-ruled states. “We will stick to the common agenda of the State,” he added.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had recently attacked UDP for its proximity to BJP. However, UDP has made it clear that it would maintain equidistance from BJP and the Congress in the run-up to the 2018 Assembly polls.