Less than a month after it was formed, the Umroi Constituency Progressive Forum (UCPF) is already experiencing cracks with MD Syiem, a former MDC candidate who hoped to be given the forum’s support for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) election, quitting to join the Congress Party.
Syiem was a senior member of the UCPF, namely its working president. His decision stemmed from the apparent decision of the forum to back former MLA George Lyngdoh as its candidate.
Syiem was formally inducted into the Congress at Umroi Umdohbyrthih. The event was attended by representatives from the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), the Ri-Bhoi District Congress Committee and the Umroi Block Congress Committee.
The formation of the UCPF was announced only on December 9 when several Trinamool Congress members, led by Lyngdoh, quit to form a body that would focus solely on Umroi. A week ago, Lyngdoh said that the UCPF had been urged to join the Congress but had chosen against taking this path.
Syiem has so far refrained from making official comments to the press regarding his political shift. Reliable sources within the UCPF, speaking anonymously, revealed that internal discussions about candidate selection had been contentious. The UCPF had shortlisted four aspirants for the MDC ticket – Lyngdoh, Syiem, John Syiemiong and Iaishah Rymbai. After consultations with the electorate, the UCPF election committee reportedly leaned towards Lyngdoh.
Syiem’s departure from the UCPF is said to have stemmed from his dissatisfaction with the internal decision-making process. His move, though, has sparked criticism from some UCPF members, who view his actions as a betrayal of the forum’s collective efforts.
The sources also said that Lyngdoh had offered to step aside and allow Syiem to be the UCPF’s candidate but the latter still chose to leave for the Congress.
The unfolding developments have raised questions about unity within the UCPF and its prospects.
