SHILLONG, July 1: As whispers of internal cracks and possible defections to the National People’s Party (NPP) grow louder, the United Democratic Party (UDP) has moved swiftly to project unity, dismissing speculation that some of its MLAs may switch sides ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Reacting to reports of growing discontent within the party, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne on Wednesday asserted that all its legislators remain intact and loyal. “As of today, all our MLAs are intact,” Chyne said, adding that the party had internally discussed and attempted to trace the source of the rumours.
Chyne described the speculations as baseless and premature, noting that it was too early to talk about 2028 political realignments. He urged the MLAs to honour the mandate given by voters who elected them on the UDP ticket.
The denial comes against the backdrop of recent remarks by senior UDP leader and West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh, who had pointed to several senior leaders leaving the party during incumbent president Metbah Lyngdoh’s tenure. Chyne, however, downplayed any leadership crisis, emphasising that the UDP functions through collective leadership and internal consensus rather than a “high-command culture.”
“Differences of opinion do arise in any democratic organisation, but they are resolved through discussion,” Chyne said, comparing party dynamics to family disagreements that are eventually settled.
With Meghalaya’s history of fractured mandates and coalition governments, political observers see the current rumour mill as an early indicator of the intense bargaining expected before 2028. No single party has secured a clear majority in recent Assembly elections, making alliances crucial. The UDP’s firm rebuttal appears aimed at discouraging any potential poaching attempts and steadying its base.
Despite the speculation, the party has already begun concrete preparations for the next polls by declaring its first candidate, signalling its focus on strengthening organisational machinery.
