More desertions for UDP; leaders quit in Mawphlang

SHILLONG, Jan 23: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has suffered a setback in Mawphlang constituency as several party leaders and members joined the Congress on Thursday.
The exodus, led by Mawphlang UDP block unit general secretary Jefferson Kharshiing, signalled support for Congress candidate George C Sun, who is contesting against the UDP’s sitting Mawphlang MLA, Mathew Beyondstar Kurbah, from the Mawphlang-Diengiei constituency. Meanwhile, the National People’s Party (NPP) is fielding its sitting MDC from Mawphlang-Diengiei, Lamphrang Blah, who also serves as the chairman of the KHADC.
Notably, Congress candidate Sun is the son of former minister John Antonius Lyngdoh, who represented the erstwhile Nongspung constituency.
The UDP leaders and members were formally welcomed into the Congress fold by Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president Pynshngain N Syiem, East Khasi Hills District Congress Committee (EKHDCC) president Antonio War, and other senior leaders during a meeting held at Marbisu.
Speaking at the gathering, Jefferson Kharshiing stated that their decision to leave the UDP was not driven by any significant grievances. Instead, they opted to support the Congress candidate as they believe he is young, dynamic, and committed to serving the people of the constituency.
Sun explained his decision to contest under the Congress banner, emphasising that the party remains committed to safeguarding the interests of indigenous tribes, protecting their culture, and ensuring their rights over land and mineral resources. He also vowed to fulfill the unfinished mission of his father, who represented the constituency as both MLA and MDC for three terms.
“I am not contesting to merely occupy a position in the district council. I am here to enact stronger laws to protect the interests of the Khasi indigenous tribes,” Sun declared.