HSPDP set to lose both its MLAs to MDA partners

SHILLONG, Dec 28: The Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), one of the last remaining fragments of the All Party Hill Leaders Conference (APHLC), is facing an existential crisis thanks to the grand betrayal by its major coalition partners in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.
The party which had won two seats in the 2018 Assembly polls and had stitched up an alliance with the NPP and the UDP is now staring at the prospect of losing both its MLAs to its allies.
Cabinet Minister and Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton L Tongkhar is all set to represent the United Democratic Party (UDP) while former Cabinet minister and Sohiong MLA Samlin Malngiang is preparing to join the NPP.
However the party is determined to put up a good show and has decided to fight as many as ten seats in next year’s polls.
“Our party has been there for the past six decades and MLAs come and go. It is not a new trend,” HSPDP general secretary Panbor Ryntathiang said on Wednesday.
“People must understand that we did not expel them and they are leaving out of their own choice,” he said, expressing surprise that the MLAs had decided to quit the party.
On Renikton’s claim that he enjoys the support of both the HSPDP and the UDP in Mawkyrwat constituency, Panbor said, “If I were a candidate I would have said the same to get votes. People understand that UDP and HSPDP are two different parties.”
On whether the HSPDP would sever ties with the UDP and the Regional Democratic Alliance, he said the alliance will remain.
Panbor also stated that the party would announce the list of its candidates on or before January 10.
He said that expectations run high as the party is prepared and has a good batch of candidates.
According to him the party will be fielding candidates in Mawkyrwat, Rambrai, Mawthadraishan, Mawhati, Umsning and Nongstoin, among other seats.
Sources say that the HSPDP has a strong base in West and South West Khasi Hills and is expected to do reasonably well in at least a few seats in these two districts.