Summary:
SHILLONG : Changing tack since the recent byelections, the United Democratic Party (UDP), a constituent of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), has proposed that the allies field common candidates for the two seats in the state in next year's Lok Sabha election. UDP won the Ranikor bypoll.Meanwhile, with the district council elections just six months away, the UDP raised the demand to introduce an anti-defection law in the three autonomous district councils (ADCs).Party president Roy said UDP is yet to decide on the names of probable candidates. In the bypoll to Ranikor, however, NPP and UDP had locked horns, with the chief minister downplaying any indication of a rift and saying that no matter who wins, it will be "MDA's victory". "This is a problem we are concerned about and in fact what we need is more responsible and disciplined persons to be MDCs," he added. The chief minister, who recently won the byelection from the South Tura assembly constituency with support from all MDA constituents, is expected to resign from Parliament next week..