Syiem will boost PDF's poll kismet: Kharkongor

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Dec 17: Nongthymmai Member of District Council (MDC) Latiplang Kharkongor has stated that once Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) CEM PN Syiem officially joins the People Democratic Front (PDF) on December 19, the prospect of the party in the upcoming 2018 polls will get a boost.

Last week, Syiem had resigned as an MLA and on Saturday resigned from the Congress.

In a letter addressed to Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president DD Lapang, Syiem said: “I hereby tender my resigtion from the membership of the Congress party with effect from December 16.”

Speaking to The Sentinel, Kharkongor said, “We will welcome Syiem into the party-fold at a function to be held in Polo on December 19. The joining of Syiem will bring certain changes especially when it comes to protecting the indigenous people of State.”

On being asked if Syiem will be announced as the chairman of PDF on December 19, he said, “As of now, the function is only to welcome him into the party. The decision of appointing him as the chairman will be taken by the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of PDF.”He, however, said that the CEC will declare the me of the chairman of PDF at the appropriate time.

Kharkongor said that the party is expecting to win more than 20 seats in the upcoming 2018 Assembly election.

He said that as election is inching closer, many sitting politicians are using the development card by stating that they have brought various development schemes in the constituency. However, this is their duty to bring development as a local representative of the people, he added.

“If as politicians we hold a public meeting to announce various laws and policies for the benefit of the people then everyone will applaud,” Kharkongor said.