Internal strife grows as senior leaders exit Meghalaya's UDP

Shillong: The United Democratic Party in Meghalaya is facing a period of significant instability as a string of prominent leader departures highlights growing concerns over its internal direction. Former cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh raised alarms this week regarding the steady exodus of party figures, suggesting that the trend reveals fundamental issues with the current leadership structure.

Reflecting on the loss of key members such as Bindo M. Lanong, Samuel Sangma, Jemino Mawthoh, Lambor Malngiang, Robertjune Kharjahrin, and Aman Warr, Lyngdoh offered a pointed assessment of the situation. "This is just a reminder of who have left the party but I won't say why these leaders have left. It's for the people to find out," he said.

While Lyngdoh stopped short of a direct attack on leadership, he suggested the party has moved away from its foundational principles. Many observers link this friction to a cabinet reshuffle last year that left some veteran members sidelined. That move saw Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla lose their ministerial roles, causing internal allegations that leadership favoured a specific group over experienced administrators.

The departure of these figures has sparked discussions about a power struggle between longtime party members and a newer, influential faction. As the party prepares for the 2028 Assembly elections, rumors continue to swirl, including reports that senior leader Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar may soon join the National People's Party.