KHADC chief claims support of 16 members

SHILLONG: Suspended KHADC CEM P.N Syiem on Friday asserted that he would continue to lead the KHADC executive committee with the majority support of 16 MDCs.
“I am still the KHADC CEM and I have the support of majority of MDCs”, Syiem said, while adding that he was yet to officially get the suspension notice.
Syiem said he will be supported by the five Congress MDCs who have already resigned, besides three UDP members, two from KHNAM, three independents and two from the HSPDP faction which will take the total to 16 in the House of 23.
A total of seven MDCs – two HSPDP members and five Congress MDCs will constitute the anti-Syiem group.
Though the actual strength of the House is 30, six seats fell vacant following the resignation of six legislators from the post of MDCs while the remaining seat of the nominated member is yet to be filled.
Syiem, however, added the election of Manstudy Nongrem as the next leader was not as per norm since it was he as the parliamentary party leader who was supposed to convene the parliamentary party meeting and not James Lyngdoh, the party’s working president.
Lyngdoh had issued notices to the MDCs sans Syiem to attend the meeting held at the residence of MPCC chief D.D Lapang on Friday.  “How can the working president of the party issue notice to convene the parliamentary party meeting as it is the duty of the CEM? I want to know whether D.D Lapang can convene a meeting of the CLP as it is the duty of the chief minister to do so”, Syiem asked.
Syiem further asserted that he still commands majority in the House and added that the current development will not affect the ruling alliance in the KHADC.
“The purpose of suspending me from the party was to finish off my career, but I command majority, and I still belong to the Congress party”, Syiem said, adding that he has full faith in his colleagues who are supporting him.