Congress likely to get major fillip in Umroi ahead of polls

SHILLONG, Jan 5: The mass defection of members from the Umroi Constituency People’s Forum (UCPF) to the Congress party is expected to take place in the coming days, signaling a significant boost for the Congress ahead of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) elections.
The shift comes shortly after UCPF member MD Syiem joined the Congress on Friday. According to party sources, 32 members of the UCPF Executive Committee were present when Syiem formally aligned himself with the Congress in the presence of senior leaders and members of the Umroi Block Congress Committee (UBCC). It was revealed that Syiem’s move was made with the full knowledge of the UCPF’s general body.
The UCPF Executive Committee is anticipated to convene a general meeting of the forum once the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) officially announces Syiem as the Congress candidate for the Umroi constituency. Party insiders expect the mass defection to take place during this meeting.
The UCPF had earlier named MD Syiem as its candidate, following a public consultation process. However, sources revealed that the forum decided to align with the Congress after internal surveys indicated stronger prospects for victory under the Congress banner.
Before reaching this decision, the Congress leadership held a series of meetings with UCPF members to finalise the arrangement. Formed on December 9, 2024, after the dissolution of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Umroi and other regions, the UCPF had initially positioned itself as an independent platform for the upcoming KHADC elections. Its leaders had vowed to select candidates through public consultations.
The candidate selection process saw four aspirants — former Umroi MLA George B Lyngdoh, MD Syiem, John Syiemiong, and Iaishah Rymbai — apply for the UCPF ticket. Public consultations overwhelmingly favoured George B Lyngdoh, but allegations emerged that MD Syiem threatened to undermine the forum if denied the ticket. To avoid internal discord, Lyngdoh withdrew his candidacy, enabling Syiem to secure the UCPF ticket.
Subsequently, Congress leaders convinced Syiem to contest under their banner, prompting his resignation from the UCPF. This decision has sparked criticism from some UCPF members, who accused Syiem of secretly collaborating with the National People’s Party (NPP) since the 2023 Assembly elections. They further alleged that Syiem’s actions against George B Lyngdoh were influenced by prominent figures within both the NPP and Congress.
Syiem initially denied aligning with the Congress, adding to the speculation surrounding his political manoeuvres. However, his formal induction into the Congress party has now set the stage for a realignment of forces in the Umroi constituency.