SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has denied speculations that it is against NPP MLA Prestone Tynsong becoming the chief minister of Meghalaya.
Speaking to the media here on Monday afternoon, UDP vice-president Allan Dkhar said there was not even a grain of truth in such reports and the name of Conrad Sangma was approved after the entire group felt that he was more acceptable of leading the present dispensation.
Asked about rumours that the UDP would withdraw support to the new coalition, Dkhar said they were wholly false.
Asked how the new dispensation would ensure stability, he said in the absence of a regional democratic alliance it was difficult for any party to form a government, adding that the UDP was committed to provide a stable government – the reason why the party has decided to be a part of the new alliance.
Meanwhile, veteran UDP leader Paul Lyngdoh said the sole motive of outgoing chief minister Mukul Sangma was to ensure that the most vocal and qualified members of the regional parties were ejected from the Assembly.
Alleging that huge money was pumped in by the agents of the Congress to defeat him in the polls, Lyngdoh said he has worked hard for his constituency and as a member of the Assembly.
“My defeat is the defeat of democracy and merit,” he said.
Paul further maintained that the new alliance would last its full tenure as the outgoing Congress-led government – despite being supported by 14 different individuals with different priorities and agendas – had lasted a full term whereas the new alliance has just 5 constituents.
