SHILLONG, SEPT 17: Cracks are widening in the United Democratic Party (UDP), with eight of its MLAs holding public consultations to join the BJP — and the party now gearing up to act.
Confirming that disciplinary proceedings are on the cards, UDP general secretary Titosstarwell Chyne on Thursday said the party’s disciplinary committee and state parliamentary board will soon be convened to take a call.
“Yes, as a party we will sit as a disciplinary committee or the state parliamentary board, we will take a call on this,” Chyne said.
Asked if suspension is on the table, he said, “I cannot decide alone. As a party, we will have to decide.”
He added, “I can’t say right now. Maybe some show cause or something like that but I can’t say anything now because the state parliamentary board will have to sit to decide.”Chyne, however, clarified that the eight legislators are still technically part of the UDP.
“All are still with the party because they have not left the party till today,” he said.
On what triggered the split, Chyne said there were multiple reasons but ruled out leadership issues.
“There are so many things but I cannot reveal. However, nothing to do with the party leadership but there are other reasons,” he said.
Asked if it was about political gain, he shot back, “It is their individual choice.”
Asserting that the party itself is not aligning with the BJP, Chyne said, “As of now, as a party we are intact. If individual MLAs join the BJP also, it is not the party joining the BJP.”
