Teinwell Dkhar new CEM, Syiem chairman of KHADC

A Correspondent

SHILLONG: Four-time Member of District Council (MDC) from Shella, Teinwell Dkhar and three time MDC Pynshngain N Syiem will be the next Chief Executive Member (CEM) and Chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) respectively.

On Wednesday, the Opposition Congress did not put up candidates for the posts thereby allowing the duo to get elected uncontested.

Dkhar of the United Democratic Party (UDP) and Syiem of the National People’s Party (NPP), candidates of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), filed their nominations before the Secretary of the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

Parliamentary party spokesperson and Mylliem MDC in the KHADC, Ronnie V Lyngdoh said the Congress decided not to contest the two seats since they do not have the numbers.

“But we will play the role of constructive Opposition,” Lyngdoh added.

Earlier, the 29 newly-elected MDCs were administered the oath of office by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Matsiewdor War.

Two MDCs – Pyniaid Sing Syiem from Sohryngkham and UDP MDC from Mawlai, Teibor Pathaw – took the oath in Khasi.

Meanwhile, speaking to mediapersons, the Congress parliamentary party leader Lyngdoh mocked the UDP for playing with the idea of rotating the post of CEM among its three members.

He stated that the writing can be clearly seen on the wall with the UDP projecting the idea of rotating the post of CEM.

“The CEM (Dkhar) who is going to be elected on Thursday already have an expiry date. He has a pre-determined life of one year,” the Congress parliamentary party leader said.

When asked the reason for the regional parties refusing to work with the Congress, Lyngdoh said it was due to political compulsions.

“If the political equation in the State is affected then it will also have an impact in the Council,” he said.

It may be mentioned that it was decided that Dkhar will be the CEM for a year.

The other contenders to the post of CEM, Paul Lyngdoh from Jaiaw constituency and Titosstarwell Chyne from Sohra will share the next four years.

When asked if he was disappointed with the party’s decision to allow him to occupy the post of CEM for one year, Dkhar said there is no question to be disappointed since the party have got many leaders who can lead the council.

“I am a loyal soldier of the party. I respect the decision of the party,” Dkhar said.

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