By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 30: The United Democratic Party (UDP) said it remains hopeful of securing the support of its Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) partner, the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), for the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election, even as the latter is yet to take a final decision.
UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh said the alliance between the two regional parties remains intact despite the uncertainty surrounding the by-poll.
“As far as RDA is concerned, we have been together and that is still very much there,” Lyngdoh said.
He also acknowledged that the HSPDP has not yet communicated whether it would support the UDP’s candidate, senior advocate Vivan GK Kynta, or field its own nominee. However, he said the UDP would respect whatever decision the party ultimately takes.
Lyngdoh said the UDP would like to see the HSPDP support its candidate, describing it as another regional party that shares similar objectives in the state.
“The door is still open and we would like to have them on board,” he said. The UDP president indicated that a decision from the HSPDP could come in the coming days, though no formal communication had been received at the time of speaking.
It may be mentioned that the UDP recently announced Kynta as its candidate, setting the stage for a keenly watched contest among regional and national political parties.
The RDA, comprising the UDP and HSPDP, has functioned as a regional political alliance in Meghalaya for several years, although both parties have at times contested elections independently while maintaining their broader political understanding.
