Metbah Lyngdoh elected as new UDP chief

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 11, 2019

SHILLONG: Three-time legislator from Mairang constituency Metbah Lyngdoh was today elected as the new president of the United Democratic Party (UDP), which is the largest regional party in the state. 

The unanimous decision was taken at the general council meeting of the party to elect the new office bearers for the year 2019-2022. 

The post in the party remained vacant following the demise of Assembly Speaker and UDP president Dr Donkupar Roy in July last. 

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the newly elected president said, “I did not expect this but I accept the decision with honour and humility.” 

The former minister said he would take all the leaders on board before setting the agenda for the party.

“I want to see the party grows and I am looking forward for support from all leaders and ensure they strike their goals in the same direction,” he said. 

Asked, Lyngdoh said that he would carry on the dream of Dr Donkupar for unification of regional forces in the state. “We will continue as I am also of the same mind and we are working on it,” he said. 

The UDP leader also said that the party would also work on a strategy to ensure that it performs better in the 2023 Assembly elections. 

Lyngdoh, who resigned as cabinet minister, is also set to become the new Assembly Speaker when the election will be held on September 13. 

The UDP, the main ally of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, is having 8 MLAs including two associate members in the 60-member House. 

To a query, he said “I assure you that we have wonderful members in the UDP as well as in the MDA.” 

Earlier, Lyngdoh was also elected as the new parliamentary party leader and chairman of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA).

Meanwhile, senior leader and former deputy chief minister Bindo M Lanong was also elected as chief adviser of the party while education minister was appointed as working president. 

The other newly elected office bearers include 2 advisers – B G Momin and R A Lyngdoh, 6 working presidents – Paul Lyngdoh, Titosstarwell Chyne, Moonlight Pariat, Donbok Khymdeit, L C Momin, 4 vice presidents – Nujorki Sungoh, Allantry Dkhar, Utpal Arengh, Kor Sympli, general secretary – Jemino Mawthoh and 5 secretaries- Lasky Rymbai, Dr Sanky Shangpliang, Teinwell Dkhar, Lawrence Nongrum, GG Burg and joint secretary- Anvil Lyngdoh. 

Highlighting on the resolutions adopted during the meeting, UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said the general council has approved the name of Balajied Kupar Synrem as the candidate of the party for the upcoming Shella bye-election. 

He said the party has also decided gear up for the upcoming elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council to be held next year. “This issue will also be taken during the first meeting of the new central executive committee to be held shortly,” Mawthoh said.