Shillong, Sep 23: The shake-up in the United Democratic Party (UDP), with eight of its MLAs leaving to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could have a knock-on effect in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
Two of the eight MLAs are also MDCs – Synshar Kupar Lyngdoh Thabah (Nongspung-Sohiong) and Pius Marwein (Langrin).
Before the defections, the UDP had five MDCs, making it the joint second-largest party in the KHADC, tied with the National People’s Party (NPP) and behind only the ruling Voice of the People Party (VPP).
With the departure of Thabah and Marwein, the UDP’s strength has been reduced to three. One of these remaining MDCs, Barikupar Synrem of Shella, could also conceivably quit the party. His elder brother is Balajied Kupar Synrem, the Shella MLA, who was one of those who joined the BJP today.
That would leave only Sohra MDC Titosstarwell Chyne and Mairang-Nongkhlaw MDC Equator Nongrang. Chyne is the current Leader of the Opposition.
As the UDP is in disarray, the NPP may claim the post of Leader of the Opposition for one of its members.
The NPP’s five MDCs at present are Grace Mary Kharpuri from Nongshken, Alvin Sawkmie from Mawsynram, Sosthenes Sohtun from Jirang, Rangkynsai Kharbani from Rambrai-Jyrngam and Rona Khymdeit from Nongpoh.
With the largest number of MDCs in the opposition benches, the NPP is preparing to take over the post of Leader of the Opposition from Chyne.
No impact on MDA Govt, says CM
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said the joining of eight UDP MLAs with the BJP will not affect the functioning of the NPP-led MDA government and both parties will remain part of the ruling coalition.
Eight UDP MLAs joined the BJP in New Delhi on Wednesday, taking BJP’s strength in the 60-member Assembly from 2 to 10 and reducing UDP to 4.
Reacting to the development, Sangma said it was a decision between two parties and ultimately a decision of individual MLAs.
“It has nothing to do really with the National People’s Party. So therefore, it’s really the desire and decision of the MLAs. I don’t have any comments,” he said.
He said the coalition strength remains the same since BJP is already a constituent of MDA.
“The strength of the coalition remains the same because it is very much within the coalition. So it does not disturb in any way the overall functioning of our government,” he said.
On whether BJP with 10 MLAs has sought more Cabinet berths, he said, “No, they have not asked.”
Asked if there is any threat to his leadership, Sangma said, “No, there is no threat as of now.
“He said it is natural for parties to aspire to grow. “Every political party has their desire to grow. In a democracy, every party will aspire. We always fight on our own terms, as our own identity. That will continue,” he added.
He admitted there could be some concerns between BJP and UDP. “One has left; one party MLAs have left and joined another. So they have to figure it out,” he said.
