Seat-sharing pact: UDP downplays dissent

SHILLONG: The growing resentment over the seat-sharing pact between allies UDP and HSPDP has propelled the former party leadership to appeal to its leaders and party workers to consider the decision of the grand alliance.
Speaking to The Shillong Times here on Monday, UDP working president Bindo Lanong downplayed the disappointment of the leaders saying disagreement always takes place in every political party, be it national or regional.
Lanong was not affected in the seat sharing as he will face sitting legislator and cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh of the Congress in East Shillong where HSPDP would not contest.
Defending the seating-sharing arrangement between the two parties, Lanong said the policy of give and take is always followed in the spirit of accommodation.
“We had such experience before and 100 per cent satisfaction is not possible,” said the veteran politician and asked its MLAs and workers to stay calm and understand the situation.
Explaining the hazards of bargaining over seats, Lanong said UDP is not satisfied and perhaps HSPDP is also not satisfied with the seat sharing.
UDP has got the lion’s share in the seat-sharing arrangement with its pre-poll alliance partner HSPDP.
However, three seats where UDP presently has its MLAs were given to HSPDP which became the bone of contention.
While Mawkynrew MLA Remington Pyngrope has openly expressed his opposition to the seat sharing, UDP supporters in Sohra too are unhappy and are even contemplating switching over to the camp of BJP ticket aspirant PW Khongjee.
UDP leader from Mylliem Hamlet Dohling is also upset with the decision to give the constituency to HSPDP. He had said other parties approached him.