SHILLONG, June 5: As many as two out of the 12 All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) MLAs are said to be in touch with the United Democratic Party (UDP) with eye on the crucial 2023 Assembly polls, according to sources.
Mawsynram MLA, HM Shangpliang, and Sutnga Siapung MLA, Shitlang Pale, are in constant touch with the UDP higher ups, sources said.
When contacted, UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh, declined to confirm or comment on the AITC MLAs being in touch with the UDP.
He, however, said, “Different political parties have approached us but we have to understand that there are methods that need to be followed and the final decision will be taken at the highest level. The state election committee will sit and take a final call.”
Earlier, the UDP had claimed that as many as seven sitting MLAs will join the regional party ahead of the 2023 polls and that discussions with the seven MLAs had reached an advanced stage while some more have sent “feelers” to the party.
It may be recalled that suspended Congress MLA from Mawlai, Process T Sawkmie, has already announced his decision to join the UDP. There are reports that another suspended Congress MLA – Mayralborn Syiem – is also likely to join the UDP.
