Meghalaya: KHADC Chief Predicts Heavy Defeat for VPP in ADC Polls

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SHILLONG: Chief of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Pyniaid Sing Syiem, on Monday predicted a crushing defeat for the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in the February 21 Autonomous District Council (ADC) elections, particularly in the constituencies represented by its four MLAs. He asserted that voters had learnt their lesson and would reject the party at the polls.

"You will witness, especially from the constituencies of the four VPP MLAs-Nongkrem, Mawlai, Mawryngkneng, and North Shillong-all of them will lose miserably because people have learned their lessons well. Before winning the elections, they made big promises, but after being elected, they totally failed to fulfil them. Therefore, people will no doubt give a befitting reply in the upcoming ADC elections," Syiem told reporters after filing his nomination from the Nongthymmai constituency on a National People's Party (NPP) ticket at ISBT, Mawiong.

He was accompanied by leaders of the Confederation of North East Councils, representing the ten autonomous district councils (ADCs) in the region, as well as party workers and supporters. Also present were the chief executive members of the Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and Tripura Territorial Council.

Syiem claimed that the influence of social media in the last elections had misled voters but believed the situation had changed. "But now, people have learnt their lessons, and they will give a befitting reply," he said.

Reacting to VPP's demand for Article 371, he questioned its effectiveness by citing the situation in eastern Nagaland. "If people in eastern Nagaland, which already has Article 371, still have to come here to meet us because they want the Sixth Schedule, then please judge for yourself which is more important and more powerful for our tribal areas."

Calling upon voters in the Khasi-Jaintia region to choose their leaders wisely, Syiem stressed the importance of electing capable representatives, particularly in light of the proposed constitutional amendment in Parliament. "The job of an MDC is a very difficult one. Therefore, I appeal to the people to support candidates who can work with the vision of strengthening the Sixth Schedule to safeguard our indigenous community."

He also urged all MDC candidates to put aside party affiliations once elected, arguing that district council elections were not determined by party lines. "People do not usually vote for a party in the MDC elections, but for an individual. And what is more interesting is that in the ADCs, the party doesn't have any impact. Though I affiliate with the NPP, the message I want to send to all candidates is that once elected to the ADC, they should leave aside party affiliation and ensure people's interests come first."

Syiem is currently the sitting MDC of Sohryngkham.

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