UDP all set to give big surprise in ADC polls: Metbah

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 20, 2025

United Democratic Party (UDP) chief Metbah Lyngdoh on Monday claimed that the party will give a “big surprise” to everyone in the upcoming elections to the autonomous district councils (ADCs) in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills region, slated to be held on February 21. 

Addressing media persons after announcing the party’s third list of four candidates, Lyngdoh said, “Let me assure you that this time it is very strange that we were fortunate to have very competent candidates and they are very promising candidates and we see this time we are going to have a very good (fight) and it is going to give a big surprise to everyone.”

He said the party is working very hard to ensure it form the new executive committees in the KHADC and JHADC.

“That is why we are screening the candidates. It is taking little time but however we have made it very clear that candidates this time is not just to fill up the seats for contesting the election but it is worth mentioning the names of the candidates of all constituencies we are fielding.”

Further, the UDP chief said that the decision of the party and its partner in the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) not to have a pre-poll alliance will in no way affect the party’s prospect in the forthcoming elections.

He also outrightly rejected the allegations against the UDP being an MDA partner and said, “I dont know based on what you are asking me that point. Let me remind you that in the last 2023 elections, we have been there under the MDA-I and out of 60 seats we got 12 seats so the question of that being in the government I think does not arise we will have less chance. I don’t think that is the right approach from everyone.”

Sitting Sohiong legislator Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah was among the three candidates announced by the party today for KHADC polls. The other two include Anthony Khongwang – Nongshken, Lee Trevor S Bareh – Jirang 

For JHADC, the party has decided to field Meiowan Pasi from Nangbah Mihmyntdu.

So far, the UDP has declared 22 candidates for KHADC and 17 for JHADC. 

According to Lyngdoh, the final list of candidates will be released in a day or two.

He also informed that the party has already finalised its manifesto for the MDC elections and it will be released very soon.