Shillong, Sep 11: Cracks in the United Democratic Party (UDP) came to the fore on Friday as six of its 12 MLAs stayed away from the foundation day celebration of the party.
The occasion was also used to hold an emergency central executive committee (CEC) meeting amid the intense speculation of mass defection that has been dominating the headlines for several days now.
Those absent were West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh, Nongpoh MLA Mayralborn Syiem, Khliehriat MLA Kyrmen Shylla, Sohiong MLA Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah, Ranikor MLA Pius Marwein and Mawphlang MLA Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah.
The emergency CEC meeting at the party office here was convened against reports that eight or nine UDP legislators are preparing to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while two or three others are weighing a shift to the National People’s Party (NPP).
The meeting was preceded by the hoisting of the party flag by president and Mairang MLA Metbah Lyngdoh in the presence of general secretary and Sohra MDC Titosstarwell Chyne and other functionaries.
Amlarem MLA and cabinet minister Lahkmen Rymbui and Mawsynram MLA Ollan Sing Syiem, both of whom have figured in speculation about a move to the BJP, arrived shortly after the flag hoisting.
Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Mookaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh, whose names have been linked to a possible switch to the NPP, were also present. Shella MLA Balajied Kupar Synrem reached the party office after the meeting began.
The proceedings were kept out of media glare, with party security preventing photography, making it difficult to ascertain the entry of some legislators.
With half its legislative strength missing from the crucial meeting, the UDP faces growing uncertainty over its future as reports of an impending exodus gain momentum.
