Ex-BJP youth chief joins UDP

SHILLONG: Egenstar Kurkalang, who quit as president of BJP’s youth wing on Monday, joined the UDP on Wednesday in presence of senior leaders.
UDP president Donkupar Roy, general secretary Jemino Mawthoh and leaders Nujorki Sungoh and Titos Chyne welcomed Kurkalang into the party.
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. 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 Lok Sabha election if there is close coordination.
Speaking at the gathering, Roy termed Kurkalang’s entry as a positive development for the party and
) said his joining was akin to returning to the party and not entering for the first time.
Roy said Kurkalang has 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 village courts or Elaka courts.
Chyne said Kurkalang has to apply for party ticket to contest the council election.
The decision will be taken at the circle level which will then be forwarded to the district and finally the state level will announce the candidature.