UDP blames HSPDP for election confusion

SHILLONG, July 9: The United Democratic Party (UDP), on Tuesday, accused the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) of causing confusion by publicly announcing their decision to contest the upcoming Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections independently, rather than discussing it internally.
UDP working president and Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh criticised the HSPDP for using the media and WhatsApp to circulate their decision without first addressing it within the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA). “Such a matter was never raised at the proper platform which is the RDA,” Lyngdoh stated.
Lyngdoh expressed concern that HSPDP’s public statements could strain the RDA’s relationship. He explained that although HSPDP confirmed their desire to stay within the RDA, they also declared their intention to contest the ADC elections independently.
Lyngdoh emphasised that any such decisions should be discussed internally within the RDA executive committee. His initial comments sparked unrest among both parties, with many UDP leaders surprised by his claims.
He downplayed the issue, suggesting it had been exaggerated. “I think it is blown out of proportion. There is nothing as dramatic as it has been made out to be. Some issues were raised by HSPDP which were also made public with the media and this will be resolved. It is just a few points of differences of opinion which will be resolved amicably in days to come,” Lyngdoh reassured.
Previously, Lyngdoh had confirmed HSPDP’s verbal communication of their intention to leave the RDA, further complicating the political landscape ahead of the ADC elections.