SHILLONG, Nov 2: United Democratic Party’s (UDP) sitting MLA from Mawphlang, Eugeneson Lyngdoh has finally declared that he will not contest in next year’s Assembly polls.
“I have taken this decision to not contest due to personal reasons,” the MLA told reporters after a meeting to form the new body of the UDP Mawphlang Constituency circle on Wednesday.
He said he had already briefed party leaders in his constituency about the decision.
However, Lyngdoh announced that the party’s exercise to find a candidate to contest the polls will start.
“We will then screen the applications of the aspirants for the party ticket,” the UDP MLA said.
Asked if his decision to not contest could mean a setback for the UDP, Lyngdoh said the decision was in the best interest of the party.
“But I can assure you that I will try my best to work hard for the party candidate to win the Mawphlang seat,” he added.
Asked about his future plans, the UDP MLA said he is exploring ideas. “I am still exploring what to do next,” Lyngdoh said.
Earlier, it was reported that the UDP leadership was contemplating People’s Democratic Front (PDF) general secretary Auspicious Lyngdoh to be fielded from the constituency next year.
Earlier in August, PDF president Gavin Miguel Mylliem had already announced that the party will field Auspicious from Mawphlang constituency. However, sources had revealed that Auspicious is yet to accept the offer made by the UDP leadership.