SHILLONG: Former president of Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in Meghalaya, Egenstar Kurkalang who quit the saffron party on Monday, joined the regional, UDP on Wednesday.
He was welcomed by party members of the UDP in the presence of UDP president, Donkupar Roy, general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh, UDP members, Nujorki Sungoh, Titos Chyne.
Kurkalang said he encountered many difficulties when he contested the last election from BJP and informed that his supporters told him to leave the party after his unsuccessful venture in the last election.
Recalling his youth days that he would help his father in UDP’s activities, he said, “The first manifesto and party that I touched was that of UDP.”
He expressed his reluctance to join other political parties that do not have any connection with indigenous minorities and predicted UDP’s victory in the MP election if there was close coordination.
Speaking at the gathering, Roy said the entry of Kurkalang was an asset to the party and said the coming of Kurkalang related more towards returning to the party rather than entering for the first time.
Roy said Kurkalang had much to contribute given his background as a lawyer. The UDP president expressed concern that no attempts have been made by the District Council to strengthen the village courts or the Elaka courts.
“There is a need to strengthen the Village courts and the Elaka courts,” Roy said.