SHILLONG, AUG 20: United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and former Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday emphasized that the 12 legislators from his party would focus on strengthening the UDP at the grassroots level.
Speaking to Mediapersons, Rymbui highlighted the UDP’s status as the oldest and largest regional party in Meghalaya, stating, “Every party is trying to strengthen their own base and increase their numbers in the Assembly. As a party, we are 12 of us (in the Assembly), so we will also try to work to strengthen our party at the grassroots level.”
When asked about the possibility of other party members defecting, Rymbui refrained from using the term “poaching,” saying, “Whoever joins another party, it is up to their own conscience and judgment. We are 12 of us, and we stick to the ideology of the party. We will continue to work hard to strengthen the UDP and attract others to our cause.”
Rymbui acknowledged the challenge of expanding the UDP’s influence in the Garo Hills region, which has been a weak spot for the party in recent elections. “Our main challenge is how to establish a base in Garo Hills so that the UDP, which is the largest regional party, can become a pan-Meghalaya party. In the last 2-3 elections, we have concentrated only in the Khasi-Jaintia region,” he added.
Rymbui’s remarks underscore the UDP’s determination to broaden its reach and consolidate its position in Meghalaya’s political landscape.