SHILLONG, JUN 10: United Democratic Party president Metbah Lyngdoh Wednesday said the party has only begun preliminary preparations for the Lok Sabha by-election, with full campaign activities on hold until the Election Commission announces the poll dates.

Lyngdoh said the ongoing Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls was also a factor, as it would run parallel to election preparations.

“We have not gone into full-swing mode yet because the election date has not been announced or notified. But looking at the SIR exercise that is yet to commence immediately, that is also one factor. Side by side, the election cannot happen. So, we will have to take a call. It all depends on the government and the Election Commission of India,” he told reporters.

The UDP chief said the party has started internal meetings with leaders and workers, but public programmes would wait.

“We have just started in low mode. Basically, we are going to meet all party leaders, workers, and all well-wishers who wish to attend the programs, but not with the public yet,” Lyngdoh said.

He added that feedback from early interactions has been positive for the party’s prospective candidate.

“The first meeting was very positive, I should say. Overall, I would like to inform that the feedback and opinions given by the people is that our candidate is one of the best candidates so far, and people would like to see a change as far as this MP by-election is concerned,” he said.

On potential backing from HSPDP, Lyngdoh said the UDP was yet to receive any formal word but remained open to support.

“No communication so far from UDP, but we are still keeping the door open for any individual or political party to extend support to our candidate,” he added.