Shillong, Sep 16: United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh on Wednesday dismissed reports that eight of the party’s MLAs are set to join the BJP, describing the reports as “speculation” and a “half-truth”.

“Speculation will always be speculation. For me I consider it like this – it is neither true nor false. So, it is half-truth,” Metbah told reporters.

His statement came amid reports and public statements suggesting that a section of UDP legislators could move to the BJP.

Metbah acknowledged that the issue had been discussed within the party but maintained that no final decision had been communicated.

“The status of the speculation that has been doing the rounds for all these weeks, in fact as a party we already had our meeting and it is understood to whatever extent things were very much there under the consideration of those MLAs who wish to join the other political parties,” he said.

The UDP chief said the party was trying to address any concerns among its elected representatives. He said he had not found any clear indication of dissatisfaction with the party or its leadership.

“For me, right now I along with the party we are pursuing the matter to clear any doubts or any kind of misunderstanding within the party among the elected members,” he said.

Metbah added that some MLAs had also told him that they had no grievances against either the party or its leadership.

Asked about his support among the 12 UDP MLAs, Metbah said he viewed all the legislators as being under one party and did not want to divide them into groups.

“For me I consider all the 12 MLAs are together as one. The question of being with me or not does not arise because we are under one umbrella, under one roof and we are under one party,” he said.

On efforts to prevent any possible movement of legislators to other parties, Metbah said the UDP leadership had been holding discussions with the MLAs concerned.

“We are pursuing, trying to clarify to them if they have any doubts or any dissatisfaction,” he said, adding that the legislators had not made their intentions regarding any possible move clear.

Metbah said the UDP had made attempts to hold discussions and meetings with the legislators and that the situation would become clearer with time.