SHILLONG : West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh has asserted that the decision by three United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators to merge with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) was unconditional and based on a collective decision to provide better service to the people of Meghalaya.
Paul Lyngdoh made the statement on Monday after he, Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Mookaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh submitted their merger papers to Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma.
Clarifying that the move was not driven by any personal demands, Paul said the three legislators had collectively decided that the NPP offered the most suitable platform to fulfil their vision of serving the state.
“Nothing was put forward as a condition. It was unconditional. It was on the basis of our collective decision as a team of three who saw that the NPP provides the best possible platform for the kind of service that we would like to deliver to the state,” he said.
The West Shillong legislator also dismissed suggestions that his decision was motivated by personal differences with UDP leaders, maintaining that he held no grudges against anyone.
“I hold no grudges against anyone,” he stated.
Responding to allegations that he had repeatedly targeted UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh, Paul maintained that his earlier statements were based on facts and figures rather than personal opinions.
“I kept telling you that I will only present facts and figures and not my personal opinion,” he said.
On the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle following the latest political development, Paul said the decision rested entirely with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who had not given any indication of a reshuffle so far.
Asked whether Metbah Lyngdoh should continue as a cabinet minister after 11 legislators left the UDP, Paul questioned the continued focus on his relationship with the UDP president.
“You earlier said I was obsessed with Metbah, now you are showing your obsession with him,” he remarked.
He added that the decision to drop or accommodate any minister was solely the prerogative of the Chief Minister and declined to comment further on the matter.
Explaining the scale of the UDP’s political setback, Paul pointed out that the departure was not limited to him alone, referring to the 11 legislators who had left the party.
“Not just me, 11 of us have left the UDP. It is a whole football team,” he said.
The latest development comes as the NPP strengthens its position in the Meghalaya Assembly, with the three UDP legislators seeking to merge with the ruling party. The Speaker’s final decision on the merger papers is awaited.