The decision of two HSPDP MLAs to support the NPP-BJP alliance, which staked claim to form the next government in the state, has raised a storm in the State as various pressure groups have set a deadline till March 6 for the two to return to an alliance led by the regional parties.
HSPDP MLAs- Shakliar Warjri and Methodius Dkhar- had attended a meeting held at the residence of Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui to discuss on formation of an alternative alliance sans the NPP and BJP. However, the two MLAs went missing from the meeting.
Later, the two HSPDP MLAs and two Independent legislators Remington Gabil Momin and Kartush R. Marak met NPP president Conrad Sangma separately and handed over their letters of support to the NPP-BJP alliance.
The decision of the HSPDP MLAs angered the supporters and pressure groups.
The Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) held a public meeting today at Motphran which was attended by leaders of HITO, Ka Sur U Paidbah ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep (KSUP7T), Hynñiewtrep National Youth Movement (HNYM), Saiñdur Tipkur-tipkha Ïeng Ehrngiew Hynñiewtrep (STIEH) among others.
The groups want the two MLAs to pull out from the alliance before March 7 otherwise they will take drastic measures like not allowing them to take oath.
HYC general secretary Roy Kupar Synrem said, “At a time when the jaitbynriew wants a person from the community to be the chief minister the two have betrayed the people. If you decided to continue to hold on to the alliance we will see how you attend the oath taking ceremony.”
He justified that Conrad Sangma in his five years tenure had sold the lands belonging to the Khasi Himas, and tried to make the Khasi land a gambling hub.
Synrem also reacted to the accusation made by NPP leader Prestone Tynsong that HYC and HITO are political wings of parties he said, “We have never aligned ourselves with any political party and we have never campaigned and ask people to vote for a particular party but on how to vote wisely.”
HITO leader Donbok Dkhar said that their fight is to eradicate a government that favours the ‘high level’ and bring in clean governance. “We want to tell Tynsong that we are the voice of the jaidbynriew and if Tynsong has directed the police to make an arrest then he should expand the prison so that it does not get overcrowded,” he challenged.
Later after the public meeting, the effigies of the newly elected MLAs were burnt.
Meanwhile, HSPDP supporters in Maweit, Lyngngam, Shilliang Wahblei zones under Mawshynrut constituency backed Dkhar’s support for NPP. Similarly, the HSPDP in Mawthadraishan said the decision of the MLA was taken with the knowledge of party leaders in the constituency.
Interestingly, HSPDP president KP Pangniang yesterday was caught in a dilemma and had immediately sent a letter to the NPP president stating that the party has no role in the letter of support given by the two party MLAs. He also said that the party had withdrawn its support to the NPP-BJP alliance.
