SHILLONG : The United Democratic Party (UDP) has said it has received no official communication from its legislators amid reports that nine of the party’s 12 MLAs are planning to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne on Thursday said the party had not received any official letter from the MLAs regarding the reported move.
“We have not received any official letter,” Chyne said, adding that the MLAs he had contacted had neither denied nor confirmed the reports.
Amid the uncertainty, Chyne said the UDP was willing to introspect and take steps to strengthen the party.
“Posts are not personal property. If Metbah or I are the reason they want to leave, we are ready to step down to strengthen the party,” he said.
The UDP has called an emergency Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting on Friday, which coincides with the party’s foundation day. All party MLAs, MDCs and CEC members have been invited to attend the meeting.
The meeting is expected to take place amid growing speculation over the political future of several UDP legislators and reports of a possible move to the BJP.
Asked whether the recent cabinet reshuffle had triggered the unrest within the party, Chyne said the decision to reshuffle the cabinet was the prerogative of the Chief Minister.
The UDP currently has 12 MLAs in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. However, the reported move of nine legislators to the BJP remains unconfirmed by the party.