EC's refusal to disqualify me is an embarrassment for government: KHADC chief

STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, June 2: Expressing happiness with the Governor V Shamugathan’s ruling that rejected the State government stand on its legislation on the dual post of profit, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Pynshngain N Syiem, a man in a tussle with the government, termed the observation as a virtual slap on those who legislated the law.

Syiem is a two-time MLA and present Chief of the congress led ruling front in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

“The clean chit by the Governor on the basis of the Election Commission of India proves the incompetency of the state law machineries and the guides of the government.”

Syiem, a bitter critic of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, refused to resign as a member of the legislative assembly (MLA) or Member of the District Council (MDC). At least six MLAs who were also elected as MDCs have resigned as members of the district councils.

Syiem challenged the recommendation of the state government which disqualified him as MLA in the court.  Interestingly, the Election Commission of India refused to disqualify him as an MLA.  

“The observation an embarrassment for the government”, stated Syiem.

He added that this would not have happened had the legislation been ected after consultations with the elected representative of all political parties.

“The manner in which the Bill was placed before the house is an indication of incompetence of the persons involved in it,” said the KHADC Chief.

He claimed that his stand is not against the Chief Minister or the government but to protect the enshrined constitutiol obligation of the district council.

He said that the ruling of the Governor of has no connection with the political drama that plague the Congress led Government in the state.

“In my pursuits, the Chief Minister has made me a villain, not a fighter of a cause  and the latest results has elevated me to a man who live up with the law of the land”, stated Syiem.

Asked on his take about the resigtion of six MLAs who were also elected members of the council seven months ago, Syiem said, “They have a right to choose but it seems that they were driven by their persol agenda”.