By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 22: The United Democratic Party (UDP) has signalled its intention to contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election independently, with a final decision on its candidate expected within the next two days.
This will set the stage for a multi-cornered contest for the yet-to-be-announced polls among VPP’s Batskhem Myrboh, NPP’s D.R.L. Nonglait, Congress’s Vincent H. Pala and possibly the UDP and the BJP.
UDP president and Cabinet Minister Metbah Lyngdoh said the party has already initiated the process of selecting a candidate and internal discussions are under way. He acknowledged that the 2024 Lok Sabha election was the “worst performed year” for the UDP and the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), but highlighted a strong political recovery during the subsequent MDC elections.
“UDP alone gained more than one lakh additional votes in the district council polls,” Lyngdoh said, adding that this resurgence has boosted the party’s confidence. He also cited growing public demand for the UDP to field its own candidate.
Lyngdoh revealed that two or three party leaders have shown interest, though no formal applications were called. The party is currently assessing prospective candidates based on their commitment and desire to serve the people, rather than profession alone.
On the possibility of a joint candidate with the HSPDP, Lyngdoh said discussions within the RDA are ongoing. He declined to confirm any specific names, including senior advocate V.G.K. Kynta, which is doing the rounds.
Regarding suggestions that the ruling MDA should field a consensus candidate, Lyngdoh noted that each constituent party has its own organisational priorities, though coordination among allies remains possible.
