By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: After being more or less assured of a Congress ticket Mohindro Rapsang, who plans to contest the 2013 election from Shillong West constituency, has decided to relinquish his position as the Myntri of Hima Mylliem.
It is reported that Rapsang features among the 46 shortlisted names to be recommended to the Party’s central election committee (CEC) for approval.
Meanwhile, Rapsang’s decision to relinquish his position as a traditional chieftain was formally accepted by the clan during their meeting which was held here on Thursday.
Interestingly, the post of the Myntri would be taken over by Rapsang’s elder brother and prominent businessman Rishan Rapsang popularly known as ‘Bahdeng Rapsang’.
There are reports that Mohindro Rapsang had in fact pressured the clan members to appoint his elder brother in his place.
When contacted, the younger Rapsang denied that he had exerted any pressure for appointment of his brother.
While submitting his resignation, Mohindro claimed that the clan unanimously wanted his elder brother to be appointed as the new Myntri.
“The main reasons for relinquishing my position as the Myntri of Hima Mylliem is because I will be contesting the upcoming election,” Rapsang said.
When asked if he has taken this decision after being assured of a Congress ticket, Mohindro said no one knows who will get the party ticket since the final list has to be approved by the Congress High Command.
“It would be childish on my part to resign at this point of time with the hope of getting a Congress ticket. Right from the start I was very clear in my mind that even if I do not get a Congress ticket I am going to contest,” Rapsang said.
Earlier, the KHADC had moved to bring an 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 to join the electoral fray seamslessly, was put on hold during the last Autumn session of the Council.
However, 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, has to give up his position as a Myntri (minister) under the Mylliem Syiemship.
As per Section 20 of the Appointment and Succession Act of the KHADC, a Myntri is not allowed to take part in active politics.