Shillong, July 20: The United Democratic Party (UDP) Mylliem Circle has expressed strong opposition against the decision to field an HSPDP candidate from the Mylliem constituency in 2018.

This came a day after the Coordination Committee of UDP-HSPDP Alliance has finalized the seat adjustment between the two regional political parties for the upcoming Assembly election.

“The executive committee of the UDP Mylliem Circle has unanimously resolved to oppose the decision of the Coordination Committee of the UDP-HSPDP Alliance by reserving the Mylliem seat for HSPDP,” Circle’s general secretary Penny Kharbhoi said.

The reason for opposing, as cited by the circle, was in view of the fact that UDP youth wing president, Hamlet Dohling is planning to contest the MLA election from the constituency next year.

Dohling had unsuccessfully contested the 2013 Assembly election on UDP ticket from Mylliem.

However, the HSPDP is likely to field Teilinia Thangkhiew, a sitting MDC from Mylliem constituency, against the cabinet minister and MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh.

“We have decided to fully support Dohling even if he contested from any political party as all supporters will work hard to ensure his victory,” Kharbhoi said.

It may be mentioned that 17 seats have been reserved for the UDP while 10 seats for the HSPDP, according to the list of constituencies finalized by the coordination committee on Wednesday.

However, nine seats have been declared as “open seats,” where both the UDP and HSPDP can field their own candidates in such constituencies in Khasi – Jaintia Region.