SHILLONG: The UDP has sent a formal letter to the All Regional Party Alliance (ARPA) demanding a change of leadership in the KHADC.
In the letter which was addressed to ARPA secretary Latiplang Kharkongor here on Saturday, UDP MDC Rona Khymdeit said that the UDP MDCs were very disappointed over the attitude of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit towards them.
“We also feel insulted over the lack of respect shown by the CEM. We had expected that he (Basaiawmoit) would bring a sense of collective responsibility among all Executive Members in the Executive Committee (EC). But sadly this was always missing since he (Basaiawmoit) always takes decision on his own,” Khymdeit said.
She said that the leaders of the party in the Council had in fact raised the issue about the autocratic style of functioning of the CEM few months back.
According to her, they had mentioned about the instances where Basaiawmoit had taken the decision on his own without consulting the other EMs in the EC which included the decision to declare the pine forest at Mawpat as protected forest (Law Adong) and the appointment of the standing counsel of the Council, among many others.
“Despite our complaint, the CEM continues to function in the same way. This only shows that the views of the party do not have any values,” she said.
The UDP MDC said that they had made it clear right from the start that they had joined the Alliance with the sole intention of keeping the regional parties together.
“But this does not mean that we shall be insulted in this way,” Khymdeit said.
While making it clear that the party did not have any faith in Basaiawmoit as leader of the Alliance, she said that they would continue their support only if the HSPDP elects a new leader who will lead the Council.
A crucial meeting of all the alliance (HSPDP, UDP and KHNAM) to resolve the present crisis is scheduled to be held on September 2 at 4 pm.
CEM ready to call public meet
to clarify stand
Miffed at the constant outpour of criticism from the UDP MDCs, KHADC CEM Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Sunday said he would not hesitate in convening a public meeting to clarify on the various accusations of the UDP, should a need arise.
“I would clarify on all the accusation of the UDP MDCs which have been leveled against me before the public. I would want the people to judge if I am wrong,” Basaiawmoit said.
He said he was saddened that the UDP was taking advantage of the situation just because he has been silent.
“I never anticipated that they will poke me in this way. But I am happy to see the support of the people during this hard time,” Basaiawmoit said.
The KHADC CEM said he will take a final call to convene a public meeting depending on the outcome of the meeting of ARPA scheduled on September 2.