SHILLONG, Feb 15: United Democratic Party (UDP) president, Metbah Lyngdoh on Tuesday disclosed that the party is in talks with some MLAs of other parties willing to join its fold.
“It is still in the stage of discussion. We are yet to arrive at any conclusion,” Lyngdoh told reporters without citing any name.
Asked if Congress MLA, PT Sawkmie is joining the party, he said he read about it in the media. He is still an MLA of the Congress, the UDP chief said.
He denied there was any discussion with Congress Legislature Party leader, Ampareen Lyngdoh on the issue of her joining the party.
Lyngdoh also said that Nongkrem MLA, Lambor Malngiang is not yet an associate member of the party.
“The UDP circle felt he (Malngiang) is the right person to contest the 2023 Assembly elections from the party but necessary procedures need to be followed before arriving at any decision on his candidature,” Lyngdoh said.
He also said that he is not aware party’s chief adviser, Bindo Mathew Lanong has been working in the Nongkrem constituency for the past six months with the intention of contesting the polls.
“I have no knowledge about it. I will look into it when the matter is brought to my notice,” Lyngdoh said.
He said the UDP will work hard to win more seats and be in a better position. “We would like to win more than 30 seats. I am sure we are going to do better this time around since the people are looking at the UDP as an alternative,” he claimed.