UDP plans to withdraw support

FROM A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Feb 20: The United Democratic Party (UDP) is readying to withdraw support to the People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) under the leadership of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)  Chief Executive Member (CEM) PN Syiem.

The UDP said that it is contemplating to withdraw support since the CEM made baseless allegations against the party.

The UDP recently, sent a nine-point query to Syiem on the issue of alleged corruption in the Council.

Senior Working President of the UDP, Bindo M Lanong said that the withdrawal of support may be during the current session of the KHADC or after the session ends.

The three day session of the KHADC which began today ends on February 22.

“We just cannot remain mute even though we are together in the PDF under the leadership of PN Syiem,” Lanong said.

 “The party is ready to withdraw its support to the PDF if the time comes,” Lanong told reporters after meeting of the party on Monday evening in the residence of UDP president, Dr. Donkupar Roy.

The UDP also said that no decision to immediately withdraw support was taken on Monday but it can be taken anytime if such a situation arises.

 “We are ready to sit in the opposition but we won’t be together with the Congress as imagined by PN Syiem.”

It may be mentioned that on Sunday, P.N Syiem had said that UDP’s plan to write to District Council Affairs Minister Prestone Tynsong on the affairs of the KHADC shows the nexus between a section of UDP leaders and the Congress to oust him as the district council’s chief executive member.