UDP pulls out of Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government

The United Democratic Party (UDP) said on Tuesday that it will pull out of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-II) government after its president and lone cabinet minister, Metbah Lyngdoh, submitted his resignation, a move the party’s Central Executive Committee described as being in its best interest.

UDP exits coalition government

The UDP announced that it will withdraw its support from the MDA-II coalition. According to EastMojo, the party’s Central Executive Committee met on Tuesday and unanimously decided that leaving the government was in the party’s best interest. UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne said the decision was taken after Lyngdoh’s resignation and that the party would now move to the opposition benches.

Resignation was voluntary

Chyne stressed that Lyngdoh’s resignation was made of his own accord and was not the result of any external pressure. He quoted the president, saying, “There is no pressure. The president, on his own will and decision, after consultation with party leaders, has taken the decision to submit his resignation.” The UDP rejected suggestions that the withdrawal signalled a setback for the party, insisting that the move was a strategic choice.

Organisational rebuilding plan

The UDP said it will concentrate on strengthening its organisational base and expanding its presence across the state. Chyne explained that the party intends to reach out to constituencies where it currently has neither a Member of the Legislative Assembly nor a district council member, describing the effort as preparation for the next political contest. He added, “There is no setback. We have taken the decision with one mind that it is better for us,” underscoring the focus on rebuilding.

Implications for the state government

Chyne also noted that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) has sufficient numbers to continue governing without the UDP. He pointed out that the NPP holds 36 legislative seats and enjoys the support of 11 legislators who had earlier joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, in addition to backing from the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP). With the UDP’s exit, the party will sit on the opposition benches, shifting its attention toward organisational consolidation and rebuilding its political strength across Meghalaya.