By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 3: United Democratic Party (UDP) vice-president Robertjune Kharjahrin resigned from the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) and relinquished his primary membership on Wednesday, saying he could not reconcile his conscience with the party’s decision to support NPP candidate James P.K. Sangma in the upcoming Rajya Sabha election.
In his resignation letter to party president Metbah Lyngdoh and general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne, Kharjahrin said he was “deeply disturbed” that UDP legislators backed James Sangma without the mandate of the CEC. He argued the move undermines the party’s credibility and sows confusion among voters.
“At a time when the UDP is contesting the Shillong Parliamentary by-election against the NPP and asking the people for a clear alternative, supporting an NPP candidate for the Rajya Sabha sends a contradictory message,” he wrote in his resignation letter.
“The people of Meghalaya deserve clarity and honesty. We cannot ask voters to reject the NPP on one hand and facilitate its political advancement on the other.”
Kharjahrin, a former pressure group leader, said he has consistently opposed opportunistic politics and that remaining silent on this issue would compromise his convictions. “I find it impossible to continue holding a leadership position in the party while remaining silent on an issue of such significance,” he added.
UDP leaders have not issued a formal response to Kharjahrin’s resignation.
