Shillong, Aug 5: Mairang MLA and minister, Metbah Lyngdoh has been elected as the new leader of the legislature party of the United Democratic Party (UDP) on Monday night.

The UDP which is the main ally of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, has no legislature party leader after the death of Assembly Speaker Dr Donkupar Roy who was also the President of the party.

The passing away of Dr Donkupar on July 28 has reduced the strength of UDP to 6 MLAs in the State Assembly.

Lyngdoh was elected to the post during a meeting of UDP legislators held at his residence here on Monday. The meeting was also attended by the two independent MLAs – SK Sun and Samuel Sangma, who are the associate members of the UDP.

After the meeting, UDP leader and cabinet minister Lahkmen Rymbui said that the MLAs of the party have unanimously resolved to elect Lyngdoh as the new leader.

Lyngdoh was also elected as the new chairman of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) formed between the UDP and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP). The HSPDP has two MLAs.