The United Democratic Party (UDP) met here today to plan strategies for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and decided to constitute an election committee, which will also play a crucial role in the elections to the district council as well.
UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh who chaired the central executive committee meeting told reporters that a consensus has been reached that the party along with the Hill State People Democratic Alliance (HSPDP), under the umbrella of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), will field a common candidate from the Shillong seat for the Lok Sabha election slated in 2024.
“However for the Tura Parliamentary seat the party has handed over the matter to the core committee which includes members of the party from Garo Hills to decide what should be done in the upcoming election,” Lyngdoh said.
He also informed that party has directed its district and circle presidents and secretaries to strengthen the party so that it is ready to fight the MP and MDC elections.
Those in contention from the UDP for the Shillong Parliamentary seat are former Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) president Robertjune Kharjahrin, Khasi Authors’ Society president D Rockyer L. Nonglait and former Mawlai MLA Process T. Sawkmie.
Kharjahrin who joined the UDP is the front runner for the ticket to contest the polls.
Sources in the UDP said that Kharjahrin is likely to be the party candidate for next year’s Lok Sabha polls from Shillong parliamentary seat.
“Almost all party leaders are in favour of Kharjahrin. However, the final decision will be taken after all the procedures are completed,” a senior UDP leader said on condition of anonymity.
The UDP leader also said that Kharjahrin’s popularity as a pressure group leader and his ability to articulate his views and opinions on public issues are the advantages that he has over all other aspirants for UDP ticket.
RDA partner the HSPDP has not named any probable candidates.
The UDP has 10 legislators and its partner the HSPDP has two MLAs, all from Khasi-Jaintia Hills region, in the current House.
