Raphael Warjri

The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Thursday officially announced Vivan K Kynta as its candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha MP by-election 2026 during a programme held at the party headquarters.

The announcement was made in the presence of UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh, who formally welcomed Kynta as the party’s official nominee for the election.

However, the announcement has reportedly triggered resentment within a section of the party’s Shillong City District unit. A group of party workers led by Shillong City District UDP secretary Tirot Sing Suchiang expressed disappointment over the manner in which the candidate was selected.

In a letter addressed to the party high command, Tirot Sing Suchiang alleged that the district unit was neither consulted nor informed about the selection process and had no prior knowledge regarding the decision. He further stated that the Shillong City District, being the political base of the candidate, should have been taken into confidence before the announcement was made.