UDP consolidates position in state

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is on a revival mode to ensure that it becomes stronger.
After party candidate Pius Marwein secured a win in the Ranikor by-poll, independent MLA Samuel Sangma has decided to associate with the UDP.
The decision was after the UDP Garo Hills sector visited party president Donkupar Roy along with Samuel representing Baghmara constituency.
Earlier, another Independent legislator, SK Sunn, had joined UDP as associate member in May.
With this, the strength of the UDP along with the associate members rose to nine and with the pre-poll alliance partner HSPDP, the strength of the Regional Democratic Alliance is 11.
Sources said though UDP had made it clear it would remain with the NPP-led MDA coalition, there can be change in state politics depending on the outcome of next year’s general elections.
With the NPP and Congress having 20 seats each, the RDA comprising UDP and HSPDP will be a deciding factor in the government formation.