Ex-UDP leader joins Congress

SHILLONG, SEPT 19: In a boost to the ruling Congress, a former leader of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) KK Lyngkhoi along with his supporters decided to join the party to support the Ranikor sitting legislator Martin M Danggo in the upcoming 2018 state elections.

Lyngkhoi had unsuccessfully contested the MLA elections three times in 1998, 2003 and 2008 against Danggo, who is presently the incumbent cabinet minister in-charge Public Works Department (Road) in the Congress-led MUA-II government.

The former UDP leader was a strong opponent of the sitting MLA when he managed to secured second place by securing over 7,000 votes during these elections.

However in 2013, Lyngkhoi decided not to contest the MLA election by supporting former MLA PK Raswai, who was also defeated by Danggo, a four-time legislator.

Speaking to reporters, Lyngkhoi said that he was one of the founders of UDP party and has been holding the post as a president of the block from 1997 till 2013 when he decided to quit the UDP over the allotment of party ticket for the last 2014 MDC elections.

The UDP had allotted party ticket to a candidate whom the district leadership had not recommended, he said.

Asked, he said that only recently during a meeting, a unanimous decision was taken by him along with his supporters to join the ruling Congress and to extend full support to Danggo.

“We have realised that there is no other political parties which can serve the people except the Congress party,” Lyngkhoi said.

Stating that he has also decided to no longer contest elections in the future, he said that his decision to support the sitting legislator will further strengthen the Congress party in the constituency.

Asked, Lyngkhoi said that the Air Marshall Diengngan, who was recently denied ticket by the UDP, was also his supporter but he decided to go back to the UDP.

On the other hand, Danggo however said that he still sees the UDP as a usual strong opponent in the upcoming elections.

“Though I never tasted defeat but I always welcome anyone who wants to join the fray,” he said.

Asked, the sitting legislator said that the BJP is not at all a threat for him. The BJP is likely to field its state mahila president Pelcy Snaitang to contest from the Ranikor constituency.

On the allegations made by his opponents that there is completely zero development in the constituency, Danggo however said, “Whatever I have done if they don’t see it what can I do but others who sees will continue to vote for me. It is up to the people to judge.”

He further spelled out that issues pertaining to road connectivity, health sector and power will be some of the main areas he would be concentrating during the upcoming elections.

By Our Reporter