'UDP and HSPDP should join hands in Council'

From A Correspondent

Shillong, March 14: The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Pynshngain N Syiem on Wednesday said that opposition members from the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) should work together in the Council.   It may be pointed out that the UDP and HSPDP are part of the tiol People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition Government.

“When they (UDP and HSPDP) are part of the MDA, how is it that in the KHADC they will work with the Congress,” Syiem told media persons after a meeting of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) held in the party office in the city.

It may be mentioned that the ruling coalition in the KHADC is christened People Democratic Forum (PDF) which comprises mainly of members belonging to the newly floated PDF party besides NPP, a lone BJP member and Independents.

On Tuesday, there were reports that some Members of District Council (MDCs), proposed the me of Nongstoin, MDC and present Chairman of the KHADC, Goodleaderson Nongsiej as their next CEM.

These MDCs also wanted to change the me of the coalition in the district council. When asked whether there is a possibility of changing the me of the ruling coalition in the district council, Syiem said, “Yes, we can do that but only after the matter is discussed with all the partners.”

The MDCs of the opposition in the district council like the UDP, HSPDP and Congress have drawn their daggers against Syiem alleging irregularities in the implementation of the Centre’s Special Assistance grant.