The People’s Democratic Front (PDF) has sought clarification from its legislators on whether they will quit the party ahead of the 2023 state elections.
The party currently has four MLAs in the 60-member Assembly – Hamletson Dohling, Banteidor Lyngdoh (both cabinet ministers), Gavin Mylliem and Jason Sawkmie Mawlong.
PDF general secretary Auspicious Lyngdoh Mawphlang today told Highland Post that none of the four have so far given a clear response as to whether they will quit the party or not.
“When we heard speculation that two of our MLAs will shift parties, we had discussed the matter but none of the legislators gave any clear answer that they are leaving the PDF,” he said.
It had been rumoured that Mawlong and Mylliem were keen on quitting the party. Unlike other parties, the PDF had struck no agreement in 2018 about sharing cabinet berths, which meant that Dohling and Lyngdoh have occupied their seats in the state cabinet since then.
When asked about Dohling, Mawphlang said that the Mylliem MLA missed only one party executive meeting but had attended the others. It was reported today in a section of the media that Dohling had skipped several of these meetings as he is also unwilling to remain in the PDF.
Meanwhile, Mawphlang said that the party’s preparations for the 2023 polls have begun and the PDF will definitely contest at least 12 seats. There have been discussions about the possibility of fielding candidates in at least two Garo Hills constituencies but the matter has not been finalised.
“We are certain to focus mainly in seats that the party has a chance of winning in,” Mawphlang said.
