By Lamphrang Nongspung
SHILLONG: Prestone Tynsong, the sitting legislator from Pynursla had to counter a very tough question while attending a funeral service a few years ago, when he was both the MLA and MDC of the erstwhile Langkyrdem constituency.
Tynsong informed that while he was attending the funeral service a few people from the constituency asked him why every time he had to come on his own to attend any service and not allow the MDC to share the responsibility.
“I was taken aback by the words of the people of my constituency. In fact, it was a wakeup call for me since I also realized that it was not a right thing that one person should hold dual posts,” the former MDC from Langkyrdem said.
Tynsong made the disclosure when The Shillong Times sought his opinion and those of others on whether an elected MLA should also contest for the post of MDC, elections to which are due in 2014.
Admitting that it was extremely difficult from him to perform the dual role of both MLA and MDC, Tynsong said that after being inducted as a Cabinet Minister he was not able to give time to contribute towards the affairs of the KHADC as an MDC.
“After having this bitter personal experience, I now firmly believe on the principle of one man one post,” he said, while adding that it was because of this that he chose not to contest in the 2009 election to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
However, other legislators had varied responses.
KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pyngshngain N Syiem, said that it is an ongoing practice in the KHADC where a sitting MLA is also an MDC.
“Right from the time of Hoping Stone Lyngdoh and others, it is always seen that MLAs are also MDCs at the same time,” Syiem said.
While admitting that the role of the MDC is totally different from that of an MLA, Syiem said that he does not see any problem arising if one holds the post of both an MDC and MLA only if the person is committed to both his responsibility.
“Personally, I have not had any problem in juggling between my role as an MLA and an MDC. I believe that time management and your commitment to your task are the two important components to handle dual responsibilities,” the KHADC CEM said.
Taking a similar stand, Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, who is planning to contest the upcoming District council elections, said that he does not see any problem if a sitting MLA contests for the post of MDC.
“Any sitting MLA who is elected as an MDC should perform his duties with full conviction,” Basaiawmoit said.
He also said that it would also depend on the individual qualities of the person.
“If a person is lazy, I am sure he would not be able to perform even if he is elected only as an MLA,” the Nongkrem legislator said.
When contacted, District Council Minister HDR Lyngdoh said that if there is a demand from people, the MLAs can contest the district council elections.
Social Welfare Minister Deborah Marak had recently said that Congress MLAs rarely contested district council elections in Garo Hills as the party does not prefer dual roles for one person in Garo Hills since the task of a legislator is different from that of a district council member.