SHILLLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) president, Dr Donkupar Roy has expressed concern over the shifting of allegiance of the MDCs after winning the election.
Talking to media persons after Laban-Mawprem MDC, Ricky Shullai formally joined the party at a function held in his residence here on Friday, Roy said that in the absence of the anti-defection law in the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), people after winning the MDC elections often shift side to another party which is an unhealthy trend.
“But everyone is helpless as there is no law which bars the MDCs to shift allegiance from one party to another,” he added.
While stating that the joining of Shullai is a huge boost to the party, he, however, appealed to the Laban-Mawprem MDC to remain with the party even after winning the election.
On the question of allotment of party ticket, the UDP president said that he (Shullai) will be given a party ticket to contest next year’s ADCs elections in the State.
“I have clarified as per the practice, we always offer the party ticket to any sitting MDC. If the party MDC did not ask for the ticket, then we offer the ticket to another person,” he said.
Meanwhile, in his brief address after formally joining the UDP, Shullai said that after leaving the NCP in 2017, he had decided not join any political party.
“Even in the 2018 Assembly elections, I had contested as an independent candidate from Mylliem constituency,” the Laban-Mawprem MDC said.
“After remaining as an independent for so long, I realise about the need to be in a party to be able to carry forward the responsibility given by the people of his constituency in a more effective manner,” he said
Shullai also assured that he would remain with the UDP after winning next year MDC elections.
” Now the voice of the UDP will again be heard in Laban. My uncle (Sanbor Shullai) had won the MDC election on the UDP ticket in 2004..I hope that the UDP will again win the seat from Laban-Mawprem constituency in next year’s elections,” he added.