Nongpoh:
Congress member of district council (MDC) of 2-Nongpoh constituency, Balajied Ranee along with other leaders of the Grand Old Party joined the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Ri Bhoi, on April 5.
“I thank the UDP for accepting me as one of their members and I, with the party, will serve my people and the state as a whole. We will work hard and bring about positive change in the district,” Ranee said, addressing the welcome ceremony, at Umwang playground.
The UDP Ri Bhoi unit president Donbok Khymdeit, however, said that Ranee will not be contesting the upcoming assembly election, but will continue to serve as an MDC.
“Ticket has not been assured to anyone yet but the party will field candidates in all the five constituencies of the district,” he said.
Several prominent leaders of the UDP, including Bindo Lanong, Metbah Lyngdoh, Jemino Mawthoh, Kyrmen Shylla and Lakmen Rymbui, were present at the do to welcome them into the party’s fold.
Addressing the gathering, Lanong deliberated how the UDP will lead the next government in the state with the people’s support, and expressed hope that it will win in all the seats from the Ri Bhoi District.
Congratulating Ranee for joining the party, Rymbui recollected the times when he was the member of the Congress, and how he subsequently switched to UDP and won the 2018 election.
Terming Ranee’s decision to join UDP as a “wise one”, Lyngdoh said, “Election is a very interesting game, but we have to choose wisely because at the end of the day, we are the ones who will be choosing whether to be happy or suffer.” He also took a jibe at the Congress saying, the party today is a “sinking ship”.
When asked if Ranee will contest in the upcoming election, Ri Bhoi district unit president of UDP
The others Congress leaders who joined the UDP included Shemphang Passah, L. Marngar, S Lyngdoh, Wanphrang Sumer, Kyrshan Pamshong, Bul Lyngdoh, Landro Ingty.