SHILLONG, MAY 22: United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh on Friday dismissed speculation that Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar would join the National People’s Party, stating there is “nothing as such” to suggest the legislator is leaving the party.
The clarification comes after several of Tongkhar’s supporters recently joined the NPP, fuelling talk of a possible switch.
Supporters definitely I don’t know why but they are free to move here and there from one party to another from A to B to C but elected members they are not free to do that, they are bound by the law and they have to act and behave as per the law,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
“As of now, there is nothing as such that Renikton is leaving the party.” Lyngdoh said he remains in regular contact with the Mawkyrwat legislator.
“Yes, I keep on meeting him. Every now and then I keep on meeting him. Yes, he has made it clear and there is nothing as such that he is moving out of the party as of now.”
On the defection of Tongkhar’s supporters, the UDP chief said the party has tasked its local unit with assessing the situation.
“When it comes to how the party functions, we in UDP strongly believe that the people who are at the grassroot level are the most important people which we have to take into consideration before making any move or decision,” he said.
“We have already shared with the local party leaders at Mawkyrwat to look into the matter and come back to us in case of any support or any kind of help they needed as far as party organization is concerned.”
Asked about alleged poaching by other parties, Lyngdoh said such practices “should not be encouraged at all,” but added, “I believe it is up to the individual, the member of the House who has to decide. So, I leave it there.”
Reflecting on his leadership, Lyngdoh said recognition of his role motivates him to improve. “I feel good that they recognized my leadership, that is the best way for me to improve my leadership,” he said.
“Any leader should always ensure that he keeps on listening more rather than talking too much because with that you learn a lot of things and you update yourself with whatever it is and then you will be able to act accordingly,” he added. “Inputs, feedbacks, suggestions from everywhere including scrutiny — that is also part of how you grow not only as political party leader but also in life.”
By Our Reporter
