PDF to focus on LS, council polls next year

SHILLONG: The People’s Democratic Front (PDF) will concentrate on strengthening its organisation for the next Lok Sabha and district council elections in 2019, its chairman PN Syiem said.
Syiem told reporters that his intention was to focus on party works but he could not find a CEM successor.
“In spite of continuing as CEM, I will see to that PDF has a good performance,” he told reporters on Thursday.
As for the MP election scheduled for 2019, Syiem said there has to be a cordial discussion with the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) to achieve the target. “We need MPs who know the genesis of the indigenous people,” he added.
Asked on whether he aspires to be an MP, he said, “It is too early for me.”
Syiem, who is also the chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, underlined the issues that the party would take up. These include the alleged encroachment of scheduled areas by MUDA, coal mining issues, land issues, as well as issues pertaining to traditional institutions.
As for the instrument of accession and strengthening the Sixth Schedule, he said, “There has to be clarity while bringing the concept of IOA to the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.”
Money power
Syiem asserted that the use of money during elections led to his as well as other candidates’ loss. He added that use of money power is apparent and people know about the prevalence of cash-for-votes.