Adelbert Nongrum assumes charge as CEM
SHILLONG: KHNAM) leader Adelbert Nongrum on Wednesday was elected as the 27th Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the KHADC unopposed.
The announcement about the election of Nongrum was made by the KHADC chairperson Teilinia Thangkhiew during the Council’s special session here.
Nongrum, who is also the chairman of the ruling coalition -ARPA , was made it to the top post after the Congress-led KHUDA-II decided against fielding a candidate in the election for CEM’s post.
Setting an unusual precedence, Nongrum bent down on his knees on the floor of the House to seek the blessing of God before occupying the CEM’s chair.
In his maiden speech as the new CEM, he sought the support of all the 29 MDCs to fulfill people’s expectations.
“My goal will be service to indigenous people,” he said.
“At the same time, I will not accept any kind of suggestions or advice which may hamper the image of the Council. I am very clear in my mind that I will not compromise on anything to save my chair,” Nongrum said.
Taking a dig at the State Government, he said, “I am not very happy with the attitude of the State Government towards the district councils. It is high time that we need to send a strong message that nobody can undermine the district council which is a constitutional body”.
Later while taking to newsmen, the newly elected CEM said that he did not agree to the argument he was ‘soft leader’ compared to the former CEM Ardent Basaiawmoit.
Earlier, Basaiawmoit refused to discuss the reasons why he had resigned.
He expressed happiness as the ARPA has been able to bring out another leader to lead the council which coincidentally falls on the same date when he was elected CEM, March 8.
