SHILLONG, Dec 8: Veteran UDP leader Bindo M Lanong has accused the party president and general secretary of betraying him.
Lanong was seemingly snubbed by the UDP leadership after he wanted to contest the upcoming Assembly election from Nongkrem. The party is keen on fielding Lambor Malngiang instead. “I feel very badly betrayed,” he said, adding that he has been with the UDP since the time of the All Party Hill Leaders’ Conference when the “incumbent president and general secretary were not even in politics”.
Underlining his loyalty to the UDP, Lanong said he did not expect such ill-treatment from his juniors.
He said he would have accepted the party decision had a long-term and dedicated UDP worker been chosen to contest from Nongkrem.
“On what basis they are offering the ticket to him?” he asked, pointing out that Malngiang’s name was finalised in his presence.
Lanong said he is weighing his options after at least three parties offered to field him. “These parties see the potential in me but not my own party,” he lamented.
He questioned the UDP leadership, which he said seems to be eyeing the top posts in the next government without planning for crossing the poll hurdle first.
“How can the president and general secretary be so sure of winning their seats? Both are facing a tough fight,” Lanong said, indicating the UDP dumped him.
