MAWKYRWAT, May 31: The United Democratic Party (UDP) in Mawkyrwat suffered a setback on Tuesday after almost all members of the party’s Mawkyrwat unit tendered their resignation in protest against the decision of the central body of the UDP to field Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) MLA Renikton L Tongkhar in the upcoming Assembly elections from Mawkyrwat Constituency.
The leaders of UDP Mawkyrwat who have resigned are KD Wanniang, K Nongsiej, HS Lyngdoh, Christopher Syiemlieh, Dmenly Lyngdoh, Ioannis Iawphniaw, K Wanniang, G Jyrwa and many executive members.
The dissenters are in support of Medalsing Lyngdoh, who is the party adviser in South West Khasi Hills, and want the UDP ticket to be awarded to this candidate in the 2023 polls.
“It is true that Tongkhar had came to meet me and he requested me to work together to strengthen the UDP in Mawkyrwat, but I had clearly told him that I cannot accept that because we have to consult and discuss together as a group along with the supporters,” Medalsing Lyngdoh said, while adding that he had not given any assurances to work with Tongkhar.
“As we have decided since the beginning to contest the 2023 general elections, we will continue to strengthen the group,” Lyngdoh said.
The UDP leader has, nonetheless, revealed that they have not decided to jump ship but talks have already begun with some parties.
One of the leaders to leave the party, KD Wanniang, who was the general secretary of UDP Mawkyrwat Circle, clarified that the prime reason behind the resignations was the apathy of UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh, who, according to Wanniang, did not listen to or respect the leaders of UDP Mawkyrwat Circle in spite of the work put in by them to strengthen the party.
Wanniang said that during a recent meeting, the UDP chief had clearly told party leaders from Mawkyrwat Circle that Tongkhar will be awarded the ticket.
