SHILLONG, Aug 20: The United Democratic Party said being an MDA constituent will not hold it back from criticising the government if any issue affects the development and prosperity of the state.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, UDP leader Lahkmen Rymbui said his party, the oldest regional entity in the state, is trying to strengthen and expand its base before the next election.
Asked if the UDP would restrain itself from going against the wrong policies of the NPP-led government, he said they would criticise the government where criticism is due despite the coalition dharma.
“If there is a need to criticise, we will because we are here to strengthen democracy and governance in the state for its development,” Rymbui said.
He, however, said the development in Meghalaya in the last six to seven years has been unprecedented and no previous government spent so much as the current one on human resources development. “But development is a process and we want more,” he added.
Rymbui also said the UDP would try to analyse why some MLAs in the state are joining other parties. He felt giving in to poaching depends on an individual’s conscience and judgement.
“We are 12 MLAs and we have stuck to the ideology of the party,” he said, hoping that the UDP would become more active in the Garo Hills.
He said he is keen on seeing the UDP as a pan-Meghalaya party and not restricted to the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.
