‘Regional alliance yet to be discussed’

SHILLONG: UDP general secretary Allantry F. Dkhar said on Sunday there was no decision on regional party alliance so far and the party would discuss this in due course of time.
The remark came two days after UDP MDC H.S Shylla spoke about the necessity of having a strong regional alliance before the 2018 elections.
Dkhar said on Sunday Shylla’s stand on pre-poll alliance “is his personal view” and the party cannot go by individual suggestions.
“It (Shylla’s suggestion) has no bearing on the party. The party will meet and we will disclose to the people through the media on what is our take on the various suggestions that is coming from all quarters,” he added.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, he said, “The party will meet from time to time and we will inform the media whatever suggestions we come up with… We have to be practical and that is why we have to assess before we can take a final call.”
When asked whether the party will field any candidate from Nongkrem after Shylla said he would not contest to make way for sitting MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit, Dkhar said it is up to the UDP Nongkrem circle to suggest.
Basaiawmoit had also voiced his opinion on regional parties’ alliance during a public gathering at Laitkor recently. He had said regional parties would form the government if there was understanding among them.
Another regional party, the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, has also not decided on alliance.
The party’s president, Pyndap Saiborne, said the matter will be discussed at the party level. “Currently, I cannot comment anything on that,” he added.