SHILLONG, Jan 25: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) president, Banteidor Lyngdoh has questioned the call for unity of all regional parties only at the time of elections.
“I totally agree that there is a need for the regional forces in the state to unite. But my only question is why such efforts are made only before elections,” Lyngdoh told reporters on Tuesday.
He stressed that the unity of the regional forces should be on issues affecting the state and its people.
He said the regional parties have the same ideology to protect the rights of the indigenous communities.
“I appreciate the call made by UDP and HSPDP for unity of the regional forces. But there is a perception among many that this move is election-centric. Therefore, I would suggest that our unity should be based on issues to clear doubts from the minds of the people,” Lyngdoh said.
Meanwhile, he said he will not be surprised if some leaders leave the party to contest next year’s Assembly polls from another party.
“The exodus of party leaders will not be restricted only to the PDF. We will see the same phenomenon in other parties ahead of the elections,” the PDF chief said, reacting to reports that two party MDCs in Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, Grace Mary Kharpuri and Macdalyne Sawkmie Mawlong are planning to join the National People’s Party (NPP).
He predicted that some MLAs of the NPP too will leave the party before elections.
“But I am sure there are many who will continue to associate with the party (PDF),” Lyngdoh added.
