Shillong, Aug 27: The National People’s Party (NPP) ally in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, the United Democratic Party on Monday said that its victory in the bye election to Ranikor constituency would further strengthen coalition.

UDP MLA who is also the Tourism Minister, Metbah Lyngdoh said that the victory of the Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma in South Tura constituency and the UDP candidate, Pius Marweiñ in Ranikor constituency would further strengthen the MDA government.

He said that the UDP would continue to work with the NPP in the MDA government.

The victory of the UDP in Ranikor has been speculated that it would strain the relationship of the UDP and NPP in the MDA government, even as rumours spread that the opposition Congress has also offered the post of Chief Minister and minister posts to all UDP MLAs in order to throw the NPP out of the government.

Lyngdoh however termed the results of the twin bye elections a “well deserved” victory for both the parties, NPP and UDP.

“Change of government does not rise, and we are committed to the MDA under the leadership of Conrad as Chief Minister. The situation is very smooth and fine, we will continue working together for the betterment of the state,” Lyngdoh said.

The tally of both the NPP and UDP in the 60-member Assembly has increased after winning the South Tura and Ranikor respectively, and further boost the strength of the MDA from 37 to 39.

The MDA comprised of NPP (20), UDP (7), PDF (4), BJP (2), HSPDP (2), NCP (1), Independents (3)

Conrad, who is also an MP from Tura, should get elected as MLA of South Tura to continue as Chief Minister of the State.

The NPP has 20 MLAs now, while the UDP’s tally has risen to seven MLAs. One Independent MLA, S.K. Sun is also an associate member of the UDP.

There were speculations that the UDP may break the alliance and work with the Opposition Congress like in Karnataka where the Congress formed the government with the JD (S).

The Congress has 20 MLAs in the Assembly.

NPP Meghalaya president W.R. Kharlukhi told reporters that the party was happy as the MDA has won both the seats in the twin bye elections.

“We won with a thumping margin in South Tura, though we lost the Ranikor seat. But it is an MDA win, and the opposition Congress has lost its security especially in Ranikor,” Kharlukhi said.

He said that the Congress’ votes in South Tura may not change, but the main opposition lost by a margin of over 8,ooo votes.

Asked if the UDP’s victory in Ranikor would strain the relationship of the coalition MDA, Kharlukhi said, “It has nothing to do with the MDA. The victory will strengthen the MDA and we are increasing our strength, and the MDA government will remain till 2023 and beyond.”

Kharlukhi praised Dr Donkupar Roy who is also the UDP president and Assembly Speaker as a man of principle. “You should look at his history. He is a man of principle he had never gone back on his words. If he promised to the Congress he sticks to it, and same with the regional parties, he sticks to his words,” Kharlukhi said.