Defections have caused setback, admits UDP

SHILLONG, Jan 22: United Democratic Party (UDP) working president, Titosstarwell Chyne, acknowledged that the party has faced setbacks in several constituencies due to last-minute defections by its leaders.
Citing an example, Chyne pointed to former MLA PT Sawkmie, who has decided to contest as an independent candidate from the Mawlai constituency. “We had expected him (Sawkmie) to contest from the party. However, we were betrayed at the last minute,” Chyne said, adding that the former MLA has not yet officially resigned from the UDP.
Chyne noted that Sawkmie continues to hold the position of Co-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Development Reforms Commission and has not resigned from this role either. “This has made it difficult for the party to find a candidate for Mawlai since time is running out,” Chyne admitted.
Meanwhile, he added that the UDP has so far announced 22 candidates for the upcoming KHADC polls and 17 for the JHADC polls. “We will announce more candidates contesting under the party banner on January 24,” he added.
Chyne also mentioned that the UDP has reached an understanding with the HSPDP for some constituencies.