SHILLONG: People’s Democratic Front (PDF) Chairman, PN Syiem said that he would concentrate on the organisation of his party to strengthen it for the next Lok Sabha and Council elections in 2019.
Syiem told reporters that his intention was to concentrate on the organization of the party but found problem in getting a successor to hold the post of CEM of KHADC.
“In spite of continuing as CEM, I will see that the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) should have a good performance in the polls,” he told reporters on Thursday.
As for the MP election scheduled for 2019, he said that there has to be a cordial discussion within the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) to achieve the target. “We need MPs who know the genesis of the indigenous people,” he said.
Asked on whether he aspires to be an MP, he said, “It is too early for me.”
Syiem underlined the issues that the party would take up including the MUDA and alleged encroachment in Scheduled areas, coal mining issues, land issues, as well as issues pertaining to traditional institutions.
As for the Instrument of Accession (IOA) and strengthening the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, he said, “There has to be clarity while bringing the concept of IOA to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.”
Money factor during elections
Syiem asserted that the use of money during elections led to his loss as well as the loss of other candidates during the Assembly elections held in the month of March.
He added that use of money during elections was apparent and people knew about the prevalence of cash-for-votes.
(EoM)