Shillong: The United Democratic Party is confronting a severe internal crisis as a series of high-profile departures threatens the stability of the regional political force. Senior figures and legislators have abandoned the organization, prompting accusations that the party leadership has strayed from its founding principles.
Former cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh highlighted the gravity of the situation by naming several prominent figures who recently exited the party, including Bindo M. Lanong, Samuel Sangma, Jemino Mawthoh, Lambor Malngiang, Robertjune Kharjahrin, and Aman Warr. During a recent address, Lyngdoh declined to detail the specific reasons for these resignations. He stated, "This is just a reminder of who have left the party but I won’t say why these leaders have left." He further remarked that the motives are for the public to discern.
Tensions within the party intensified following a controversial cabinet reshuffle last year. That change saw Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla replaced in key government roles by party president Metbah Lyngdoh and MLA Lahkmen Rymbui. Critics characterized these appointments as opaque and suggested they were designed to sideline experienced leaders in favor of a transactional political style.
Factional divisions between the party's old guard and its newer leadership have fueled concerns about the organization's future. There is growing speculation that the National People’s Party is actively courting additional UDP legislators, aiming to undermine the party’s standing before the 2028 Assembly elections.
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