SHILLONG, Feb 27: The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Sunday corroborated reports that some of the suspended Congress MLAs were keen to join the party but expressed apprehension on whether they would they fulfill the criteria laid down by the party.
“Everyone wants to join us but it will depend on whether the party will take them or not,” UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh said on Sunday.
“We cannot take everyone who wants to join the party. We have to look at different aspects relating to the performance of the legislators, their acceptability, their integrity and commitment. Above all we have to look at the winnability factor,” he added.
On allegations of NPP trying to devour its coalition partners, he said, “This is election year and everyone is in election mode. So there will be a lot of things happening with people moving from one party to another. MLAs and MDCs will try to align themselves with whichever group they think is more convenient for them.”
Speaking about strengthening the UDP, Mawthoh said the party will activate all its frontal wings.
“The party will hold the general body meeting of the youth wing and reconstitute office-bearers, following which the meeting of the women’s wing will be held,” he said.
“We have five young MLAs and we are trying to give them the responsibility of carrying forward the party’s mantle,” he added.
On their part, the five suspended MLAs said they were still exploring options.
A source close to the MLAs said the five are unlikely to reply to the show-cause notice issued by the AICC.
The five suspended MLAs are also of the view that they had done nothing which can be termed as anti-party activity since they had only extended support to the government.
When contacted, suspended CLP leader, Ampareen Lyngdoh said, “My focus at the moment is to prepare for the upcoming budget session from March 4. I might think about the show-cause notice after the session.”
Mawlai MLA, PT Sawkmie said he was still exercising his mind on the issue.
