SHILLONG, OCT 20: Senior BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek on Tuesday said the decision of the three remaining UDP MLAs to merge with the NPP was anticipated.
Three UDP legislators – Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh – joined the NPP after meeting the Speaker, days after eight former UDP MLAs joined the BJP.
“I have seen the news that three sitting UDP MLAs met the Speaker and joined the NPP. This was known from the beginning itself,” Hek told reporters.
He said, “Except for Nujorki Sungoh from Jaintia Hills, we were not aware of his move, but the others are also my friends. We knew they would join the NPP. Their intent was clear from the activities organised in their constituencies. So it is not a surprise.”
Maintaining that the MDA coalition remains unaffected, Hek said, “We are still in the MDA. Those who joined the NPP yesterday are MDA partners and those who joined the BJP from the UDP are also MDA partners. It does not make any difference to the MDA.”
