Former FKJGP chief joins UDP

SHILLONG, Aug 17: Former president of the Federation of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo People Wellbirth Rani formally joined the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after joining the UDP along with a large number of his supporters, Rani said he would leave it to the wisdom of the party leadership to take a call on allotment of the ticket to him.
“I am ready to contest if there is an offer from the party,” he said.
Rani said he joined the UDP since he felt the need to develop a strong regional mindset among the people.
He added that he would continue to pursue the core issues which he had been raising as an NGO leader and would try his best to help strengthen the party base.
While the former FKJGP president boasts of a good following having served as leader of a pressure group for close to 25 years, he would face a daunting task in securing the party ticket since sitting MLA Eugeneson Lyngdoh is all set to get the UDP ticket for the Mawphlang seat. UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh also made it clear that Rani had not sought the party ticket. “He joined the UDP with the objective of strengthening the party,” Lyngdoh said, confirming that the Mawphlang ticket will be allotted to the sitting MLA.
Earlier, Lyngdoh formally welcomed Rani and veteran journalist RM Shabong to the UDP fold at a function held at the residence of Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem.
Shabong was formally associated with the NPP before joining the party.
Other present on the occasion included UDP Khasi Hills president Titosstarwell Chyne, party general secretary Jemino Mawthoh and working president Paul Lyngdoh, among others.