UDP filly withdraws itself from PDF

KHADC

From A Correspondent

SHILLONG, April 17: The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Monday filly withdrew from the People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) over alleged misappropriation of Council funds.

The decision to withdraw from the PDF was taken during the Central Executive Committee (CEC) of the party.

“The CEC proposed that the MDCs of the party withdraw from the PDF and the main reason is because the party does not subscribe to elements of corruption,” UDP president, Dr Donkupar Roy told media persons. The CEC of the party also decided that its MDCs will sit in the opposition.

Dr Roy also said that the UDP does not to be blamed that the party is corrupted and therefore withdrew its support to the PDF.

The UDP president also appealed to the party MDCs to be disciplined even though they may have to give up the perks they receive by virtue of being in the ruling side.

Dr Roy said that the MDCs will have to give up their post of Executive Members (EM) but they will have to sacrifice in the interest of the party.

Umsning, MDC, Donkupar Sumer, Sumer is presently holding the post of an EM.

Working president, Bindo M Lanong said that it is better to have Asministrator’s Rule in the KHADC than work together with those who are corrupt. “We want a clean and clear administration,” Lanong told media persons.

When quipped whether the UDP MDCs were questioned by the party leadership in the alleged misappropriation of Council’s funds since they were all along in the Executive  Committees, the UDP did not give a clear reply but Lanong only said that the issue surfaced recently.

Dr Roy while replying to this query said, “The party’s stand is clear. We will not defend a person who is involved in corruption. If he is involved in it so be it.” 

The meeting was also attended by the five members of the district council (MDCs) of the party – Teinwell Dkhar, Hispreaching Son Shylla, Donkupar Sumer, Ro Khymdeit and Equator L Nongrang.

With this new development, the strength of the ruling People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) has been reduced to only 17 members (Congress rebel – 1, BJP – 1, HSPDP – 3, KHM – 2, IND – 9, NCP – 1) from its initial force of 22 members.