SHILLONG: Regional parties in Meghalaya were once a force to reckon with but not anymore, especially after the Assembly elections in February.
The vote count of the United Democratic Party (UDP) came down to six this election from eight in 2013.
The UDP had secured the record 20 seats in 1998 propelling it to form a coalition government led by the party.
Its ally, the Hill State People’s Democratic Party, ended with two seats in 2018. This was a drop from four in 2013.
The two parties were looking to strengthen the regional force with a pre-poll alliance but that did not yield any result.
The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) managed to secure only one seat and the newly floated People’s Democratic Front (PDF) started its political innings with four seats.
With the Congress facing a strong anti-incumbency wave before this election, it was an opportunity for the satraps to prove their mettle. It was not that they did not attempt to ride the wave but the National People’s Party (NPP), which is an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance at the Centre, surged ahead. However, NPP needed the support of the regional parties to form the government.
Speaking about the performance of the regional parties in the last few elections, UDP senior leader Allan Dkhar said it was “a passing phase” and regional parties having been here for so long “will surge once again and it is just a matter of time”.
When asked if the might of national parties is affecting the prospects of regional parties in the state, Dkhar said the regional entities could not do well in 2008 and 2013 Assembly polls “because of some wrong decisions”.
“It is a learning experience for us and after having suffered so much in the last elections, the District Council elections will be worth a test for us,” he said.
On the other hand, HSPDP’s ad hoc president KP Pangiang said whether regional parties are weak or strong at this point of time, they are reviving and strengthening the organisations before the upcoming Council elections.
He added that the party was preparing for the Council election and is in the process of identifying suitable candidates.
