‘Temporary support’ Sawkmie’s personal opinion: Syiem

SHILLONG: A day after KHADC Deputy CEM P T Sawkmie stated that the support to ruling PDF was temporary and that the Congress MDCs would take a final call on the matter after the Council by-polls, KHADC CEM P N Syiem termed the statement as the former’s personal opinion.
Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Syiem said, “It is his (Sawkmie) personal opinion. As for me I will wait for the communication and views from the Congress Parliamentary Party in this regard.”
After Syiem’s suspension, five Congress members – Parliamentary Party secretary Antonio War, Victor Ranee, Hadrian Lyngdoh, Albinus Lyngdoh and Banteidor Lyngdoh – resigned. The MDCs who are still with the Congress are Sawkmie, Donovan Wahlang, Mansturdy Nongrem, Lamphrang Blah and Jansing Tynsong.
The KHADC CEM added that the current developments signify that “the coalition is strong and it will have to tread all difficulties”.
Reacting to Sawkmie’s statement on the concluding day of the KHADC’s autumn session that Executive Member in charge Finance Antonio War should surrender his portfolio, Syiem said, “Asking Antonio to resign will be my prerogative.”
Commenting on the short drama witnessed by the members between him and Sawkmie, Syiem said that it wasn’t an argument, but a debate.
‘Sawkmie planning to
topple EC’
Meanwhile, Antonio War lashed out at Sawkmie stating that he had made an irresponsible statement during the session hours. Speaking to reporters here War said, “It seems that he (Sawkmie) has some hidden agenda and he plans to topple the Executive Committee (EC). As we have seen, even in the past he has tried to oust the CEM.”
War asserted that Sawkmie can tender his resignation as Deputy CEM and sit in the opposition.
“His statement that he was a Deputy CEM just in name is misleading,” War added.