By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 22: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is unfazed by the departure of some of its leaders from the party.
These leaders are from Ri-Bhoi and the UDP claimed it still stands tall in the district with its organisational strength and many other leaders of repute intact.
“It is unfortunate that some of our leaders from Ri-Bhoi district have opted out and joined another camp. But I am not surprised because just before any elections, there will be shifting of allegiance by the leaders and the functionaries from one political party to another,” UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said on Friday.
“The organisational strength of the UDP in Ri-Bhoi has not been affected at all but more importantly, it is not just the organisational strength but the support at the grassroots also is still strong. We hope we will be able to strengthen the party with the coming of so many new leaders,” he added.
Stating that it is still not known why those leaders deserted the party, Mawthoh said the party does not have anything to say as it is about individual choice and everyone is free to come to the party or move out of it.
“But it is unfortunate because Donbok Khymdeit had been in the party for a very long time. His jumping to the NPP bandwagon has come as a surprise (to us),” the UDP general secretary said.
“In so many years, we never had MLAs and MDCs from Ri-Bhoi under the leadership of Donbok although he has been in the party for a long time,” Mawthoh stated.
“Mayralborn Syiem (MLA) and Balajied Rani (MDC) are strong pillars. Along with them, we have many other leaders in Ri-Bhoi. The secretary, adviser and many more are still there,” he said. Ex-UDP leaders join NPP: The UDP leaders from Ri-Bhoi, who resigned from the party on Wednesday, joined the NPP on Friday. The induction ceremony took place at the Basketball Court of Sajer, Nongpoh, where Rona Khymdeit, a former Congress leader, also joined the NPP ranks.
NPP state president Prestone Tynsong welcomed Rona Khymdeit, Donbok Khymdeit and their associates. Party leaders including Sniawbhalang Dhar, Ampareen Lyngdoh, Sosthenes Sohtun and Damanbait Lamare attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Tynsong expressed delight that these leaders joined the NPP. He emphasised the importance of unity and inclusivity within the party.
He dismissed detractors as mere noise, highlighting the party’s steadfast commitment to its principles amidst emerging political trends. He said the NPP’s popularity could be gauged from the growing number of leaders and supporters joining it.
Donbok Khymdeit said his decision to quit the UDP stemmed solely from the pressing need for further development in the district. He expressed confidence in the NPP’s ability to address the developmental challenges effectively.
Rona Khymdeit commended the NPP for its proactive approach to governance, noting its tangible impact on youth empowerment and overall progress in the state.