The Umroi Constituency Progressive Forum (UCPF) has largely thrown its weight behind the Congress Party, with senior members deciding to dissolve the body today.
The meeting at Umroi Umdohbyrthih was attended by UCPF president Pynskhemlang Sohtun, vice-president Remius Kharsati, general secretary Forstar Sohiong and several others. It was decided by them to back the candidature of MD Syiem for the Umroi seat in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC). Syiem, a UCPF founder member, had recently joined the Congress and was named by that party as its choice of candidate.
Where this leaves former Umroi MLA George B Lyngdoh is unclear. He had quit the Trinamool Congress and announced that he would not be joining any other party. Instead, he played a formative role in the creation of the UCPF as an alternative to the dominant party-based political machinery. Instead, most of the UCPF leaders have swung round to backing the Congress.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Sohtun clarified the reasons behind their decision to support the Congress candidate. He stated that during election campaigns, the public repeatedly questioned where the UCPF candidate would align if elected. Considering the voice of the majority in the Umroi constituency, UCPF leaders held several discussions and ultimately decided to support Syiem.
The UCPF leaders expressed confidence in their decision, stating that Syiem’s candidature represents the aspirations of the people. They also announced that a formal event to welcome new members into the Congress will be held on January 21 at Umroi ground. They invited other supporters to witness this significant day and join them in rallying behind the Congress candidate for the upcoming MDC election.
