SHILLONG: The working president of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), Emlang Lytan, said on Friday KHADC chief executive member P.N Syiem has not joined PDF as perceived by many in the political fraternity.
Criticising UDP president Donkupar Roy for his statement in which he claimed that PDF is led by a suspended Congressman (Syiem), Lytan said the KHADC CEM “is a suspended leader and he is not a leader of the PDF. We are the leaders of the PDF and not anybody else”.
“How can he (Roy) say that? Being a senior and seasoned politician how can he not understand who is a leader of PDF,” he added.
Pointing out that the party has Ivanlum Marbaniang as president, Auspicious L. Mawphlang as secretary, Lytan said he was earlier a leader of FKJGP and the president of the organisation for 10 years.
“I think Roy did not read the profile properly. As a seasoned politician, he should be careful of what he is saying as people are watching and listening to him,” he said, adding, “He is afraid of PDF. We welcome their decision but it should last. They have our blessings.”
Denouncing Roy’s remarks the PDF leader said political parties need people mandate and most political entities fail because of the emergence of several leaders. “We as PDF have the people’s back-up,” he added.
Poll preparations
Lytan said the party is gearing up for the Assembly polls in 2018. “We are going to contest elections and we are fully geared for it.” On MDCs joining the new party, Lytan said, “I have seen some of the press statements of some MDCs who are willing to join PDF and they are welcome.”
He, however, added that there was no official communication from the MDCs yet.