Shillong, Dec 11: The United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), both key constituents of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA), have decided to contest the upcoming elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) separately.
With the elections likely to be held in February 2025, UDP President and RDA chairperson Metbah Lyngdoh confirmed the decision, emphasizing that the alliance remains strong despite the separate electoral approach.
“We have decided today that, as far as this upcoming District Council election is concerned, like we have done in the past and based on our experiences, understanding, and respecting the sentiments of our party workers at the constituency level, UDP will fight on its own, and HSPDP will fight on its own. But this does not mean that RDA is no longer there. I want to make it loud and clear again that RDA is still intact and will continue to work together,” said Lyngdoh.
Speaking after a meeting of the RDA, Lyngdoh reiterated that the alliance’s purpose extends beyond elections, with a focus on addressing pressing issues affecting the state. “The RDA was formed not just for electoral purposes but to address very important and prioritized issues, such as the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP), the inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, and matters related to the border. These are issues that concern the people of the state and remain our focus,” he stated.
Lyngdoh assured that while the UDP and HSPDP would compete independently in the elections, the RDA remains committed to its shared vision and collaborative efforts to serve the people of Meghalaya.