NPP MDC from Mawryngkneng, Pyniaid Sing Syiem is set to take over as the new Chief Executive Member of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
It may be mentioned that the NPP with 12 members and Congress with six have decided to form the new Executive Committee (EC) in KHADC.
The two parties have formed a new alliance known as Khasi Hills Democratic Front (KHDF).
Syiem was elected as the chairman of KHDF while Congress MDC Pynshngain N. Syiem was made vice chairman. Mawlai MDC Teibor Pathaw is the secretary and Mawkyrwat MDC Carnes Sohshang as assistant secretary of the front.
Today, Syiem filed his nomination for the election of Chief Executive Member scheduled to be held tomorrow in KHADC.
Speaking to media persons today, Syiem said that outgoing Chief Executive Member Titos Chyne has held the post for almost three years and it was high time that the post was shared by NPP.
“The NPP had the numbers for the past one year but we chose to allow the UDP to lead. This time, it should give the same chance to the NPP,” Syiem said.
He however said that it is unacceptable for Chyne to call the latest political development as betrayal as the KHADC is an autonomous body where any party can work with others including the independent.
Syiem also maintained that members of the autonomous body are not under control and direction of the party high command but decided things at the council on their own as responsible members.
Meanwhile, the UDP, a coalition partner of the NPP-led MDA government, has left the matter to be handled by its MDCs.
UDP president, Metbah Lyngdoh said he will raise the matter with Chief Minister and NPP President Conrad Sangma.
However, Lyngdoh said that the new political equations in KHADC will not impact its alliance with the NPP in the State government.
In the 30-member House, the NPP has 12 members followed by UDP (9 including nominated member Bindo M. Lanong), Congress (6) HSPDP (1) and Independent (1).