SHILLONG: The Member District Council (MDC) of People’s Democratic Front (PDF), James Sylliang demanded to convene a special session to seek a clarification from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM), PN Syiem on the alleged diversion of Rs 28 crore to Council assets.
Addressing reporters on Thursday, the MDC from Mawhati said the amount of Rs 33 crore was released by the Center to the KHADC out of which Rs 28 crore was used for council assets.
“The amount of Rs 28 crore should have been distributed to the MDCs for the development of their respective constituencies instead of allocating the amount for council assets,” he said.
He argued that a ceiling which still looked polished was being dismantled to make way for renovation.
Sylliang said on Monday, “He will go on a signature campaign to seek support for convening the special session from the fellow MDCs.”
Referring to the UDP and HSPDP MDCs who argued with Syiem over the alleged misappropriation, he urged the MDCs who are not part of the alleged “misappropriation” to lend support to his call for a special session of the Council.
Sylliang also expressed surprise at the sudden turn of events as the same MDCs from UDP and HSPDP who vented their anger on Syiem over the funds misappropriation, are currently supporting the PDF-led coalition, People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA).
However, he would keep aside the matter to resign from the party. “If they expel me from the party, I will have to take the matter to the people,” he said.
He argued Syiem would have to step down if he could not clarify on the diversion of Rs 28 crores.
Syiem recalls files approved by EM
Commenting on his role as Executive Member (EM) of the KHADC, Sylliang asserted there was no independent charge.
“There are files that I have approved but the CEM would recall the files. I have intended to resign but then Syiem removed me before I could resign,” he said.
Speaking on him being dropped from post of Executive Member, Sylliang said, “He (Syiem) did not inform me about the removal. He did it all alone. We were not even informed about the support extended by the HSPDP and UDP MDCs. He does not respect us anymore.”
Sylliang further criticized Syiem by saying he is “Dual post hero” and not “hero of the indigenous people”, and asked, “What has he done for the people?”