UDP, HSPDP alliance intact

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) are keen to continue with their alliance and bring about a closer understanding between the two regional forces.
UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh said the two parties met here on Tuesday to work together in view of the upcoming District Council elections. “We will continue with this effort of alliance and bring in better understanding,” he added.
He said all the local parties in the state have same aspirations for the region and the meeting discussed about looking at ground realities and challenges which they face.
When asked, Mawthoh said the Regional Democratic Alliance would even like to welcome other like-minded local parties.
UDP and HSPDP forged an alliance before the 2018 Assembly polls but the parties managed to secure only eight seats out of 60 Assembly seats.
The alliance took another jolt when HSPDP threatened to move out of the NPP-led MDA government for including BJP in the coalition and the party wanted the chief minister to be from Khasi Hills region while United Democratic Party wanted Conrad Sangma as the chief minister of the state.
Former HSPDP president Ardent Basaiawmoit wanted its two MLAs, Samlin Malngiang and Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar, not to support the government but the duo went ahead and supported the alliance.
Later, the former HSPDP president resigned as HSPDP president owing moral responsibility for the party’s defeat in the elections.