UDP MLA Says Eight-Member Team in Talks with BJP; Party Insists It Remains United
UDP legislator Ollan Singh Suin confirms an eight-member team is in talks with the BJP, while his party denies any MLAs are leaving.
A United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator has acknowledged that an eight-member group within the party is in talks with the BJP, even as the party's leadership insisted that no MLA is preparing to leave.
Ollan Singh Suin, who represents the Mawsynram constituency, said the legislators have placed certain demands before the BJP and would decide their next step once the Union Government responds. "Anything can happen any time, any day," he said, adding that the group had already held discussions in Delhi.
Suin said the demands include the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, the lifting of regulations on coal mining in view of small landholdings, the Metor issue, and matters related to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act.
Asked whether the group was bargaining for ministerial positions, Suin said there was no such negotiation, noting that the National People's Party is the single largest party and holds the majority. He said the group was only pressing its demands.
His remarks follow reports that as many as eight UDP legislators have been exploring a possible political realignment with the BJP.
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne, however, sought to play down the speculation. He said there was no question of legislators jumping ship or leaving the party, and that the party and its MLAs remain intact. "The UDP as of today stands united," he said.
The party convened an emergency meeting of its Central Executive Committee at its office near Shillong College on Bomfyle Road to discuss the political situation. Chyne described the meeting as "very good", saying leaders from across the state attended, though some were out of station and around five MLAs were present.
The gathering was attended by five to six MLAs, MDCs, district presidents and secretaries, and office-bearers of the women's and youth wings, along with representatives from each district. A short programme and flag hoisting to mark the party's foundation day preceded the discussions.