Northeast Desk, 21st March: Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, key leaders of the Regional United Democratic Party (UDP) in Ri Bhoi district have announced their defection to the National People’s Party (NPP), causing a significant upheaval within the party.
The defection, led by Donbok Khymdeit, the Working President of UDP State Wing and Ri Bhoi District Unit, has seen several high-ranking officials and party members severing ties with UDP to join the rival NPP.
Prominent figures from various wings of UDP, including the parent body, Youth Wings, Women Wings, and leaders at the state level, have opted to switch allegiance to the NPP along with Khymdeit.
The formalization of the move is expected to take place during a meeting at Sajer, Nongpoh, where NPP National Leaders will welcome the defectors into their fold.
Among the departing leaders and party workers from UDP are individuals holding significant positions within the party structure, including Bah Raphael Massar, Chief Adviser of UDP Ri Bhoi District; Bah Queen Mary Rymbai, Joint Secretary of UDP Women’s Wing State; and Bah Watson Kharkrang, President of UDP YW Umsning Circle, among others.
The decision to defect from UDP to NPP is depicted as a voluntary choice by the departing leaders, signaling a notable shift in political allegiances within the region. This move could have substantial implications for the electoral landscape in Ri Bhoi district and beyond, as parties gear up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
With the departure of key leaders and party members, UDP faces the challenge of regrouping and recalibrating its strategy in Ri Bhoi district amidst the approaching elections. Meanwhile, NPP stands to gain from the influx of experienced political figures, potentially strengthening its campaign efforts in the region.
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