By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Prominent city businessman Mohindro Rapsang has decided to contest in the upcoming Assembly elections in 2013 even at the cost of his position as the Myntri (minister) of Hima Mylliem.
Rapsang is eyeing the Congress ticket to contest from 18-Shillong West constituency.
The announcement came a day after the proposed amendment of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnongs of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007, which could have paved the way for Rapsang joining the fray, was put on hold during the Autumn session of the KHADC.
The Select Committee constituted to study the proposed amendment of the Act sought additional time to complete the study which meant that the necessary changes can only be made during the Council’s next session in March 2013.
Rapsang, who was hoping that the Act would be suitably amended, would now have to give up his position as a Myntri (minister) under the Mylliem Syiemship, if he contests the upcoming polls. As per Section 20 of the Appointment and Succession Act of the KHADC, a Myntri is not allowed to take part in active politics.
“I have already made my intention clear to the people of my constituency. I would not pull out from the race at this stage especially when the election is only few months away,” Rapsang said here on Wednesday while indicating he would contest even if he fails to get the Congress ticket. The businessman, however, said that he would wait on the directive of the elders of Hima Mylliem before giving up his position as the Myntri.
The Congress ticket aspirant also expressed disappointment over the delay on part of the Council to amend Khasi Hills Autonomous District (Appointment and Succession of Syiem, Deputy Syiem, Electors and Rangbah Shnongs of Mylliem Syiemship) Act, 2007.
“I do not see any justification for this delay as the Hima Mylliem had written to the Council in 2008 to amend the Act. In fact, the Hima wanted to bar only the Syiem and Deputy Syiem to take part in active politics. But mistakenly even the Myntri and Rangbah Shnong were also barred from joining politics,” he said.
The Congress ticket aspirant also did not rule out ‘foul play’ on part of his opponents who wanted to see the amendment of the Act being delayed.