CEM’s strength touches 20

Vertical split in HSPDP  l4 MDCs extend support to PDF

SHILLONG: In a boost for  the ruling Congress-led People’s Democratic Front (PDF) under the leadership of P N Syiem, four MDCs, two from HSPDP and two from KHNAM, have decided to extend support to the CEM.
While Morningstar Mawsor (Mawshynrut)  and LG Nongsiej (Nongstoin) from  HSPDP had  handed over letter of support to  the CEM, KHNAM MDCs Adelbert Nongrum (Jaiaw) , who was the former CEM and James Ban Basaiawmoit (Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah) have also assured their support to CEM in writing on Tuesday.
The support of two HSPDP MDCs to PDF indicates a vertical split in HSPDP in the aftermath of the Nongsoitn by-poll. Nongsiej was one of aspirants for the party ticket for the by-poll.
With this the strength of PDF rose to 20 in the House of 22 after seven legislators had resigned as MDCs following the dual post Bill.
The lone nominated MDC Gabriel Wahlang had also quit to contest the Nongstoin by-poll.
Earlier, three UDP MDCs had extended their support to the Congress-led PDF.
The KHADC chief said that the MDCs of HSPDP and KHNAM have extended support since they wanted to ensure that issues of common cause are pursued jointly
He also hoped that the remaining two HSPDP members Pyniaid  Sing Syiem and Teilinia Thangkhiew would come forward to support him in the near future.