SHILLONG, March 18: As the heat gradually turns up on political parties in the run-up to the 2023 Assembly elections, the United Democratic Party (UDP) is likely to bolster its strength for the final showdown next year so much so that it may contest all 60 Assembly seats.
According to the party chief, Metbah Lyngdoh, four to five sitting legislators have shown keen interest to join the United Democratic Party (UDP), and the development is in its finalization stage.
“Due process has to be followed and we will see how we move ahead with them,” the UDP chief said.
Asked if the UDP perceives any other party as threat to it in the upcoming Assembly polls, Metbah said that the UDP, which has endured time, has received good response on the ground this time. He said if all goes well for the party in the run-up to the elections, it may contest for all 60 seats.
He further informed that the party State Election Committee will be constituted in a couple of weeks to deliberate over the potential candidates in consultation with senior leaders of the party. The names will be disclosed as and when the decision is taken, he added.
On people being critical about UDP indirectly supporting the state government on pressing issues, the party chief said that the UDP has always raised its voice on crucial matters concerning the public, and will continue to do so.
Taking a stand on the criticisms, he said that the government has in turn responded when such issues have been brought to its attention, while adding that the party is working together with the government to address the concerns.
The UDP chief also outlined that stability is of prime importance in governance or else development would be hampered, adding that the UDP will never be the reason for instability.
On seat sharing with the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), which is their partner in the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), the UDP president informed that the two parties are yet to sit and discuss the issue.
On the call for unification of the state’s regional forces, Metbah opined that so far the response has not been overwhelming but his party is open to anyone willing to join.