Shillong, Oct 16: Senior UDP leader and West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh on Wednesday said the fate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) entirely depends on whether Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma recognises or rejects the split triggered by eight MLAs joining the BJP.
The eight legislators have petitioned the Speaker to be recognised as BJP members under the Tenth Schedule, after breaking away from the UDP.
“The entire course of action depends on whether the Speaker entertains and recognises the split. In the current dispensation, we have a situation where there is a split in the UDP,” Lyngdoh said.
He made it clear that if the split is not recognised, the UDP will continue as a 12-member legislature party, leaving no room for him to exit.
“If he does not recognise the split, it means UDP remains 12 and I can’t leave. If the Speaker does entertain it, it leaves us with 4,” Lyngdoh stated.
“What happens to the 4, how many are willing to stay in the UDP and how many move out, all those are permutations and combinations,” he added.
On whether the remaining four MLAs, including the party president, will move together or individually, Lyngdoh said they will wait for the Speaker’s order.
“You are putting a very hypothetical question. We will have to wait and see what happens to the petition of the 8, whether it is entertained or rejected. Then the next course of action would be taken by the 4, whether they stick with UDP or move out. If they move out, they will need sufficient numbers to warrant a majority in sync with the provisions of the Tenth Schedule,” he said.
Scoffing at rumours that three of the four are set to join the NPP, Lyngdoh said inclination cannot override the law.
“Inclination will not determine our course of action, but what actually happens on the ground will. Suppose I am inclined to join CPIM, what happens to my inclination if the 8 are told no, you stay with UDP, this split is not recognised? Even if I wish to join any party, will the law allow me? Does it mean I expose myself to disqualification as an MLA because Bah Paul on his own has joined Congress, CPM or BJP?” he said.
“Let’s take things step by step. Once we hear the pronouncement of the Speaker based on the complaint by the UDP, then we take the next course of action, whether singly or in consultation with the other MLAs still in UDP,” Lyngdoh added.
Also Read: Build bridges of trust, not hate campaigns: Paul Lyngdoh on viral Meghalaya-Assam videos
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