SHILLONG : The United Democratic Party (UDP) has announced its decision to withdraw from the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-II (MDA-II) government, stating that it no longer has sufficient representation to justify continuing its support to the ruling coalition.

The decision was taken unanimously at a meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) on Tuesday, following the resignation of UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh as a Cabinet Minister.

UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said Lyngdoh had submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday and informed the CEC about his decision during the meeting.

“The president has informed the CEC that he has resigned as Cabinet Minister and submitted his resignation to the Chief Minister on Saturday,” Chyne said.

Following the development, the CEC unanimously resolved that the UDP should withdraw from the government and withdraw its support to the MDA-II coalition.

“The CEC has unanimously decided that once the president and lone MLA as a minister has resigned, it will be better that we withdraw from the government,” Chyne said.

Clarifying the circumstances surrounding Lyngdoh’s resignation, Chyne maintained that the UDP president had taken the decision voluntarily and without any pressure from anyone.

“There was no pressure. The president on his own will, on his own decision and after consultation with the party leaders, has taken the decision,” he said.

Chyne recalled that the UDP had joined the MDA-II government in 2023 with 12 MLAs but has since been reduced to just one legislator, making it difficult for the party to justify its continued support to the ruling alliance.

“We don’t feel it right to continue our support to the government. This will also give our president, who is the lone MLA, to reorganise and strengthen the party,” he said.

Rejecting suggestions that the decision reflected a setback for the party, Chyne said the leadership had taken the call unanimously.

“There is no setback. We have taken the decision with one mind,” he added.

With its exit from the government, the UDP will now focus on rebuilding its organisational strength across the state, particularly in constituencies where it has neither an MLA nor an MDC.

Chyne said the party would also have greater freedom to raise issues concerning the people and speak independently on matters affecting Meghalaya.