Final decision to depend on talks with BJP leadership and acceptance of UDP’s long-pending demands

Shillong, September 11: Mawsynram MLA and United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Olan Sing Suin has not ruled out the possibility of joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), saying any final decision would depend on discussions with the BJP leadership and the latter’s response to the party’s long-pending demands.

Speaking to reporters after an emergency meeting of the UDP Executive Committee amid growing speculation over the political future of several party legislators, Suin said no decision had been finalised so far.

He indicated that the legislators would take a collective decision rather than act individually, while stressing that the issue was not merely about securing ministerial positions.

According to Suin, the legislators want assurances that long-pending issues raised by the UDP and matters concerning the interests of Meghalaya and its people would receive serious consideration.

Among the issues he referred to were the UDP’s opposition to uranium mining in Meghalaya and the demand for implementation of resolutions passed by the State Legislative Assembly.

Suin said the legislators were awaiting clarity on whether the BJP-led Union Government would be willing to address these issues before taking any final political decision.

Asked whether the legislators could join the BJP soon, Suin said political developments could take place at any time but maintained that nothing had been finalised.

He said further discussions and negotiations with the BJP leadership would determine the course of action.

His remarks have further intensified speculation over the political future of UDP legislators and the stability of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government.

The development comes as the UDP observed its foundation day at the party office on Bomfyle Road, Shillong, amid growing uncertainty over the continued allegiance of some of its legislators.