Shillong Sept 21: The United Democratic Party (UDP), the main ally of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government has set a condition that a leader of the party should be considered as common candidate of the coalition from Shillong Parliamentary seat in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Congress MP, Vincent H. Pala is representing the Shillong Parliamentary seat for two consecutive terms since 2009.

After the state election committee (SEC) meeting here on Friday, UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh said the meeting has decided to propose to the MDA to field common candidates from both Shillong and Tura parliamentary seats.

However, the UDP wanted that the common candidate for the Shillong seat should be from the UDP.

Mawthoh said that the party suggested that Tura seat should go to the National People’s Party (NPP) since both the parties are the main partners in the coalition MDA government.

Mawthoh said that the UDP would further discuss the proposal with the other coalition partners to ensure that candidates of the MDA win from both the seats.

The UDP has probable names like former legislators – Jemino Mawthoh himself and Paul Lyngdoh.

The UDP said that the Congress is on a downhill slide in Meghalaya especially after the resignation of its “tallest” leader, DD Lapang.

Asked if the UDP would want to get Lapang into the party, Mawthoh said that the party would meet the veteran leader soon to discuss about his resignation and to urge him to come to the group (MDA).