SHILLONG: After months of speculation, the cat is finally out of the bag. The newly formed People’s Democratic Front (PDF) leader is none other than Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member PN Syiem.
Taking everyone by surprise, sitting MDC Hadrian Lyngdoh candidly said on Wednesday Syiem is leading PDF.
However, when contacted, Syiem said he is still a suspended Congress MLA and the final decision whether to leave the party will be made known to the people by September.
Later, James Ban Basaiawmoit, Victor Rani and HS Shylla also took the opportunity to finally reveal Syiem’s role in PDF while delivering speeches during the ceremony to welcome the 12 MDCs into the party fold at Jaiaw Shyiap Community Hall.
Lyngdoh said, “Your leader is PN Syiem and there is not much to hide.”
Basaiawmoit too referred to Syiem as a man who will row the boat leading them across the river.
Other MDCs also hinted at Syiem’s leadership. Rani said Syiem will join the party in the coming months.
“He is now the CEM, we will wait till next year when the (letter) ‘E’ will be dropped and he becomes the CM (Chief Minister),” he said.