By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 20: Veteran UDP leader Bindo M Lanong, who has been denied a ticket, has predicted the fall of the party’s top leadership in the February 27 Assembly elections.
A dejected Lanong, who is a founding member of the party, told reporters on Friday that he will not leave it but merge his UDP (Original) with the party after the polls.
He said he was always told the party election committee indicated that the ticket should be given to Lambor Malngiang in the Nongkrem constituency. He lamented that those who backed him were not consulted.
He claimed that the decision on fielding Malngiang from Nongkrem was taken by a group of leaders months ago.
Stating that the UDP did not have a candidate in Nongkrem and hence, he moved to the constituency, Lanong further claimed that the survey and information collected by the UDP in the constituency, which favoured Malngiang, were made up. “The election results will prove them wrong,” he said.
He alleged that two-three leaders are involved in a “ticket allotment scam” and that they have no commitment.
Talking about UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh and general secretary Jemino Mawthoh, Lanong said they are his juniors and they were not in politics when the party was formed. He claimed it is certain they are “going to be out” in the polls.
He also said that he held a meeting with his leaders in the constituency and 100% of his supporters advised him to move forward.
“I will not break the party as it is my baby,” he said. He also said that he will contest the polls as an independent candidate.
“There are many leaders who sympathize with me. After the elections, I will consider the amalgamation of my UDP-O (Original) and go back to my parent body,” he said.
Recalling the words of former Chief Minister and UDP veteran BB Lyngdoh, he said the former had always advocated business people should not be encouraged to come into politics, that they should be in their business and the government will support them.
“Some businessmen in the UDP have spoiled the party,” Lanong said, adding that a number of them have made their way into the UDP from Umsning, Nongkrem and other places.
He said when the UDP president and general secretary cannot even handle their home, how they will handle the entire state. He predicted that the party will win a maximum of 10 seats.