UDP-HSPDP deal subjected to review

From Staff Correspondent

Shillong, July 20: The decision on choosing candidates for the United Democratic Party (UDP)-Hill State People Demanding Party (HSPDP) combine is subjected to review ahead of the 2018 Assembly polls. This was categorically stated by UDP President Donkupar Roy during a telephonic interaction with The Sentinel on Thursday.

The two regiol parties have still not reached an agreement on nine constituencies in Khasi and Jaintia Hills districts. After agreeing on 27 seats in the Khasi-Jaintia hills, the declaration of “friendly contests” in the nine constituency segments means that the Congress could have an edge over the alliance.

Roy said, “The decision arrived at is subjected to review because the winning factor will decide on how we select candidates before the polls,” Roy stated, admitting that the decision to cobble up the alliance against the Congress has never been a cakewalk.  Roy, the former Chief Minister, said that the decision is based on circumstances and situations and there are “strategic moves” to be made in near future.  On Wednesday, the Co-ordition Committee of the UDP-HSPDP alliance decided that UDP will contest in 17 seats, the HSPDP in 10 seats and in the remaining nine seats both the regiol parties will indulge in “friendly contests”.

The UDP will contest in Khliehriat, Amlarem, Jowai, Raliang, rtiang, Mawsynram, Shella, Pynursla, Nongthymmai, East Shillong, West Shillong, Mawlai, Umsning, Mawhati, Nongpoh, Ranikor and Mairang.

The HSPDP will contest in Sutnga-Saipung, Nongkrem, Mylliem, Mawphlang, South Shillong, Pynthorumkhrah, Jirang, Nongstoin, Rambrai and Mawkyrwat. The nine “open seats” where “friendly contests” between the UDP and the HSPDP are in the offing are Mowkaiaw, North Shillong, Mawthadraishan, Mawshynrut, Mawryngkneng, Sohiong, Umroi, Sohra and Mawkynrew.