NONGPOH:
Jumping ship in the run-up to any polls is a common phenomenon in the state, and when the poll in question is the 2023 Assembly elections, its “standard” for leaders to shift their loyalty in a bid to “secure their prospects” ahead of it.
On May 6, National People’s Party (NPP) Nongpoh block president, Augustine Wahlang and over 100 of his supporters defected to United Democratic Party (UDP) reasoning that the party nurtures leadership.
“UDP is a party where leaders are born. Leaders are concerned about the next generation while politicians only think of the next election. In UDP, we have a leader not a politician and we will work together to win and form the government after the 2023 election,” said Wahlang speaking at the induction ceremony held at Dorbar Hall, Nongpoh.
The do was attended by district president of UDP, Donbok Khymdeit, minister Brolding Nongsiej, general secretary UDP central body, Jemino Mawthoh, UDP Ri-Bhoi district, Michael Kharhunai and other leaders of the party.
Addressing the gathering, Khymdeit said, “After a month of former Congressman Bah Balajied (Ranee) joining the party, now Bah Augustine has joined us. This implies that the UDP is growing stronger every day and will go on to rule after the 2023 election.”
Ranee, member of district council (MDC) Nongpoh constituency, while recalling his 2019 win on a Congress ticket, congratulated Wahlang for joining UDP and said that he hopes MLA Mayralborn Syiem will also join them soon.
“We do hope that our MLA Mayralborn Syiem joins the UDP. He has been ignored by the Congress party, and personally, I will try to make sure that he join us,” he said.