RESUBELPARA, July 20: In a setback to the National People’s Party (NPP) in Mendipathar constituency, a huge contingent of members and leaders of the NPP on Wednesday formally joined the United Democratic Party (UDP) at a function held in the town in North Garo Hills (NGH).
The new joinees included an aspiring candidate for the NPP ticket, Subhroto G Marak, who is likely to become the UDP candidate from the area after he quit following the party high command deciding to apparently give the ticket to the current MLA, Marthon J Sangma, bypassing what they called was years of hard work.
“The UDP has been in power in the state for the past 30 years in some capacity or other and we are sure that we will be able to grow the party further in Mendipathar. I am confident that we will pull through this seat for the party in the coming elections. We will definitely try our hardest,” stated Marak on his joining the party on Wednesday.
He added that his constituency, despite Meghalaya gaining statehood for over 50 years, was yet to be fully developed and there were areas which required immediate attention.
“Look at the state of the infrastructure in our area. Schools remained dilapidated, roads remained the same. There are places in the constituency where people still have to walk 10 km as roads are not navigable. Even during our visits, we have had to stop the car and walk to meet people of our constituency. The condition of schools has not gotten any better. These are focus areas that need immediate intervention. Our party will definitely work on these sectors,” added Marak.
The former NPP leader was in a three-way battle for the right to represent the NPP in the constituency before the yet to be confirmed move of Marthon dashed their hopes. However for the UDP, NPP’s loss has become their gain as Subhroto is likely to become the candidate for the party in the constituency.
Marak, during the conversation on Wednesday, claimed that at least 500 NPP members have joined the UDP along with him, with more likely to come.
The welcome party was attended by UDP adviser and former MLA, BG Momin and L Ch Momin.
During his welcome speech, BG Momin hoped the induction of the new members would enhance their chances and hoped for all of them to come together to strengthen the party in the region.
