Now, NCP joins PDF coalition in KHADC

SHILLONG: In another major boost to the ruling People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) coalition in the KHADC, NCP has decided to lend support to the coalition led by suspended Congress member and KHADC CEM P.N Syiem.
Backed by NCP and the recent support extended by HSPDP, out of the effective number of 29 members in the KHADC, PDF’s strength has risen to 23 members. The PDF coalition now has the support of KHNAM, UDP, HSPDP and NCP.
NCP State president Sanbor Shullai met the Khasi Hills      Autonomous District Council chief on Friday at the latter’s official residence to hand the letter of support to the CEM.
The letter stated, “NCP, Meghalaya, after considering all the facts on all the issues taken up by PDF to protect and safeguard the interest of the people like MUDA issue and other important issues has decided to support the PDF coalition EC and our MDC, Ricky Shullai, will now be a member of the PDF coalition.”
Speaking to reporters, Syiem said with their support, more issues pertaining to the betterment of the State will be taken up and has accepted their move to join the coalition.
“Now the number has gone up to 23 and more issues will be taken up for the interest of the people,” he said.
Shullai spoke of burning issues which included the encroachment of MUDA on scheduled areas that led to KHADC framing its own building bye laws. He added that the matter related to the Village Administration Bill (VAB) will be pursued.
“We will continue to work hand in hand as a family for the interest of the indigenous people,” he said.
When asked whether his official support to the suspended Congress KHADC chief will have any effect on his support to the Congress-led MUA government, Shullai said till date no official letter was received from the NCP leadership in Delhi to withdraw support to the Congress.
Asserting that there will be no compromise vis-à-vis issues of the State, Shullai said, “In the District Council we will continue our support to P.N Syiem based on the issues. It’s not about the opposition to the State Government. From time to time, we have taken up the issues with the government in which Ministers concerned were apprised of certain issues. We will not compromise when it comes to issues.”
To this comment, Syiem quickly added, “As of now, I am a suspended Congress member and there is no harm in working hand in hand but the most important part of all is the issues and the party/coalition comes later.”
Last Friday, HSPDP extended support to the PDF adding an advantage to PDF that is already backed by KHNAM and UDP.