Shillong: Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh warned on Thursday that the disintegration of the United Democratic Party signals a dangerous trend for regional political groups. He labeled the collapse a direct result of weak leadership and a lack of collective structure. The UDP recently plummeted from holding 12 seats after the 2023 elections to just one.
Lyngdoh argued that the party failed because it prioritized narrow, constituency-based interests over a shared political identity. He noted the internal decay left the organization unable to keep legislators together when political pressure mounted. "Everything, any organisation, any team always requires a good captain. A good captain can nurture a good team," Lyngdoh told The Shillong Times.
The fallout began when 11 of the 12 UDP legislators abandoned the party. Eight MLAs moved to the BJP, while three, including Lyngdoh, joined the National People's Party. Party president Metbah Lyngdoh is the only member left in the 60-seat House. He resigned from his Cabinet post on October 31, ending the eight-year alliance with the NPP-led government.
Lyngdoh currently holds the Tourism, Social Welfare, and Arts and Culture portfolios. Following the defections, the NPP holds 36 seats and the BJP has 10, cementing a firm majority for the administration.
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