SHILLONG: The newly inducted MDC of People’s Democratic Front (PDF), HS Shylla is optimistic that people will vote the party to power and asserted that the party was committed to pursue Garoland demand which will ensure formation of Khasi-Jaintia State.
Asserting that HSPDP and UDP are “getting old”, he said that people will bring a change as there are many issues confronting the state.
Pointing to the demand for Garoland, he said, “The state government next year will have to face a major issue and that is to accept our Garo friends’ demand for Garoland.”
He assured that the PDF will address the issue once it comes to power.
Earlier, the newly formed People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) welcomed 12 sitting MDCs into its fold at a function held at the Community Hall of Jaiaw Lum Pyllon on Wednesday.
The party, which was clueless about its ideology during its launch in March, also decided on its ideals.
PDF general secretary Auspicious L. Mawphlang said, “As for the ideology of the party, it is the center- left ideology which will give an opportunity to the voice of the public.”
“The party stands on the basis of bringing about a change in the system of governance and protect and preserve the traditional customs,” he added.
The party will soon get a symbol sometime in September and its registration with the Election Commission is already complete.
Pointing to the failure of the state government, Mawphlang said 29,000 youth are unemployed and farmers are suffering.
“There are no policies, be it education or mining. There are some policies that are still in the drafting stage. This is the reason why the state is stagnant. The aim of the party is to empower the people to bring about change and bring back governance,” he added.
Stating that it is a joyous occasion for the party after the MDCs joined the party, Mawphlang said, “With an aim to bring about a change in the system of governance, there should be unity among us as our motto is unite, protect and grow.”
The new entrants said they were optimistic that PDF will come to power in 2018.
MDC Hadrian Lyngdoh pointed out that the 12 MDCs bore a resemblance to the 12 disciples of Lord Jesus Christ.
HS Shylla, the veteran politician who was the last speaker, pointed out to five issues – health, education, empowerment, livelihood and social – that will be addressed by the party once it is voted to power.
“We will also look into the issue that tribal areas do not fall under Meghalaya Urban Development Authority,” he said.
As for employment issues, he said, “We will do away or allot no markings for personal interview as most youths pass the written examination but do not get through the personal interview.”
Besides Lyngdoh and Shylla, others who joined are LG Nongsiej, Morning Mawsor, James Ban Basaiawmoit, Latiplang Kharkongor, Banteidor Lyngdoh, James Sylliang, Grace Mary Kharpuri, Arbinus Lyngdoh, Victor Rani and Blanding Warjri.
