NONGPOH, August 25: The United Democratic Party (UDP) in Ri-Bhoi received an encouraging stimulus with two former Chief Executive Members (CEMs) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) joining the party at a function in Iewmawlong village on Thursday.
Ri-Bhoi Dorbar president RB Shadap also joined the party along with his supporters.
The two former KHADC CEMs — RR Makdoh and CB Syiem — and Ri Bhoi Dorbar President, RB Shadap, were accorded a warm welcome in the party by party’s president Metbah Lyngdoh in the presence of Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein, former MLA of Sohiong HDR Lyngdoh, former MLA of Mawhati, Donbok Khymdeit, Nongpoh MDC, Balajied Rani, besides other party leaders and workers.
In their respective addresses, the new entrants to the UDP hailed it as the only party concerned about people’s welfare in the Khas-Jaintia region.
Speaking on the occasion, state UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh expresses gratitude while welcoming the veteran leaders in the party fold, stating that their entrance clearly indicates that the people in the state are looking upon the UDP to lead the government after the 2023 assembly elections.
Maintaining that the UDP needs leaders who retrospect and possess a vision for the state, Lyngdoh, who is also the Assembly Speaker, said it is disturbing to discern that on many occasions, leaders join new parties with ‘conditions’ and for the sake of their own benefit and not the overall good of the people, which, according to him, is a matter of concern.
Lauding the new leaders, Lyngdoh said that veterans Makdoh and Syiem veteran have joined the party unconditionally, as “they want nothing but the development and welfare of the people”.
The mood at the event was optimistic with regard to the UDP emerging victorious in all five constituencies of Ri-Bhoi district.
Speakers of the day urged upon the electorates of the district to come forward and extend their support to the party in the upcoming elections.