SHILLONG: The UDP has called for scrapping of the current system of nominating a member in the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) of the State.
Talking to newsmen here on Saturday, UDP general secretary Allantry F Dkhar said that the party felt the current system defeated the true spirit of democracy by taking away the right of the people to elect their representative.
He also informed that the UDP in its suggestions made to the State Government with regards to the proposed amendments to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, has called for scrapping of the system.
The UDP’s demand comes a day after the All Regional Parties Alliance (ARPA) lost its majority when nominated MDC Gabriel Wahlang of the Congress took oath as MDC.
According to Dkhar, the present system could continue only if the nominated member is devoid of the right to vote in the House.
“The nominated member should also be a woman,” he said adding that it will amount to empowerment of women.
Stating that nominated members were meant to be drawn from the intelligentsia of the society who would not have otherwise made it to the House he said, presently the government could seek such expert help from various firms specializing in the respective subjects and matters.
Dkhar also slammed the Opposition alliance in the KHADC (PDF) for “misusing the Congress-led Government in the State” to get the approval of the nominated MDC from the Governor to dislodge dislodging the present Executive Committee under ARPA.
He also accused the District Council Affairs Minister of trying to cover up the politics played by the State Government to destabilize the EC.
Meanwhile, he said that the party will meet on Monday to discuss the issue of resignation of UDP MDCs if the State Government forcefully imposes the appointment of the administrator in the Council.
“During the ARPA meeting on Friday, all the MDCs have agreed to demand for the dissolution of the House and seek for fresh mandate if there is an imposition of administrative rule,” Dkhar said.
The UDP secretary said that the other allies of ARPA (HSPDP and KHNAM) will also discuss the matter separately to demand the dissolution of the House.
