SHILLONG: The president of a social organization, Mawsynram Constituency Development Society (MCDC), Diralson Dkhar alleged that People’s Democratic Front (PDF) chairman, PN Syiem met then Governor V. Shanmuganathan who assured Syiem to help him with the withdrawal of Dual Post Bill only if Syiem supports the BJP.
“When PN Syiem was in Pyndensohsaw, he told us that he met the Governor who assured him that if he works with the BJP, the Governor will help with the Dual Post Bill,” Dkhar, former supporter of Syiem, told reporters at a press conference on Thursday.
He went on to allege that Syiem who is the leader of PDF has a hidden agenda with the BJP.
It may be reminded that in 2016, Governor V. Shanmuganathan in an order said that Syiem does not attract disqualification based on the opinion of Election Commission of India.
Though the order of the Governor issued on May 31 was in particular reference to KHADC CEM, this may be applicable to other seven legislators who had relinquished the posts of MDCs after the passing of the controversial dual post Bill by the State Assembly.
The order of the Governor issued on May 31 said, “In accordance with opinion of the Election Commission of India, I hereby decide that under Article 192 (1) of the Constitution Pynshngainlang Syiem, member of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has not attracted the disqualification under Article 191(1) (a) of the Constitution. The matter is disposed off accordingly”.
The Article 191(1) (a) states that a “person shall be disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State specified in the First Schedule, other than an office declared by the Legislature of the State by law not to disqualify its holder”.
Dkhar went on to allege that Syiem he did not get the Ministerial berth which made him take up the issues of “jaitbynriew” (indigenous community).
“Had he been given the ministerial berth, he will remain in the Congress,” he said, adding that Syiem, who was a former Congressman, was not fit to be a Minister.
BJP –threat to minority
Dkhar pilloried the BJP by stating that the party is a threat to the majority all over the country and claimed that Congress can fight against the BJP.
“Congress will come back and capture power from the BJP,” he said.
The MCDC decided to support the Congress candidate from Mawsynram, H.M.Shangpliang who is one of the contenders of Mawsynram constituency seat.
“Since Congress respects culture, tradition of all minorities, we need to pay respect to this party by giving full support to Congress,” he said.
Pointing to the failure of Syiem as a representative, Dkhar said that his conflict with the Chief Minister Mukul Sangma led to problems which included the pending issue of Mawsynram Civil Sub-Division.
“The road from Trongpleng till Kynrang is very bad. He is the hero of horse carriage era,” he remarked.
He added, “No matter how confident he is, he will not come back to power.”
