United Democratic Party ( UDP) which won six seats in Meghalaya Assembly polls is all set to play kingmaker and holds key to power in Meghalaya. The residence of UDP president Donkupar Roy in Shillong witnessed hectic political activity since Sunday morning.
Two Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and K.J. Alphons arrived at Mr. Roy’s house and said that the mandate is against the Congress.
“BJP will support non-Congress government in Meghalaya and we want to communicate this to UDP,” Mr. Rijiju said.
Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju outside UDP president Donkupar Roy's residence in Shillong.
Within minutes of the arrival of two Union Ministers, Congress Chief Minister Mukul Sangma arrived here to meet Donkupar Roy.
“The fractured mandate means we have to talk to other political parties. We are doing that, we are still talking.” Mr Sangma said.
Asked whether he will sacrifice the post of Chief Minister to ensure Congress comes to power he said that he is ready to serve people of Meghalaya in any capacity.
Meanwhile a few UDP leaders like Paul Lygdoh said that they have agreed for forging an alliance with National People’s Party. There has been no official announcement from the party yet.
UDP is a pan Meghalaya party and had given two Chief Ministers to the State including Donkupar Roy in 2008. Mr. Roy was leader of Opposition in the last Assembly.
The Congress has emerged as the single largest party winning 21 seats in the 60 member house. Congress leadership has met Meghalaya Governor and staked claim to form government . The NPP is the second largest party with 19 MLAs. If the NPP, UDP and BJP which has two seats come together they will reach a figure of 27.
All the three are part of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) The other parties like HSPDP with two seats, PDF with four members, and three independents will also play crucial role.
