SHILLONG, June 22: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is grappling with visible cracks in its ranks as multiple senior leaders have exited in recent months, fuelling undercurrents of unrest within the regional outfit. Despite this, the party has firmly dismissed suggestions of weakening under president Metbah Lyngdoh, asserting unity and continued relevance as the strongest indigenous political force in Meghalaya.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne made the remarks in response to recent observations by UDP legislator and former cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh. The latter had highlighted the departure of several prominent leaders—including Bindo M. Lanong, Samuel Sangma, Jemino Mawthoh, Lambor Malngiang, Robertjune Kharjahrin, and Aman Warr—without elaborating on reasons, while suggesting the party had drifted from its founding spirit.
Chyne downplayed the exits, noting that leader departures are common even in established national parties. “There may be a sense of disappointment when leaders leave a party, but such developments are not unique to the UDP. Even national parties witness leaders shifting allegiance due to political survival or personal reasons,” he said.
He added that the exit of a few leaders does not signal the decline of a political organisation. “The existence of a party continues despite the exodus or desertion of some leaders and members. Every party has a second line of leadership that carries forward its vision and works for its growth.”
Tracing the UDP’s origins through the merger of the Hill People’s Union (HPU), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), and Public Demand Implementation Convention (PDIC), Chyne emphasised its enduring role in state politics.
“The UDP is one of the oldest regional parties in Meghalaya. Over the years, many leaders have joined, some have left and many have passed away. Yet the party continues to grow and remains the largest regional party in the state.”
He contrasted the UDP’s resilience with other parties that have emerged and faded over two decades, crediting its strong ideological foundation and committed leadership.
Rejecting any blame on the current president, Chyne pointed to electoral gains under Lyngdoh: “I do not see any weakness on the part of the current president that can be blamed for the exit of a few leaders. In fact, under his leadership, the party improved its tally from six MLAs in 2018 to 12 in the 2023 Assembly elections, which reflects the party’s growing strength.”
On reports of differences within the UDP Legislature Party, Chyne categorically denied any factions. “There is no faction within the UDP Legislature Party. We are united,” he said. He acknowledged that individuals might chart their own paths in future but stated there is currently no indication of MLAs planning to leave ahead of the 2028 elections.
“Every MLA continues to stand with the UDP and all our legislators remain intact. What lies in an individual’s mind is something we cannot know, but there is no indication of any division within the party at present,” Chyne added.
