PDA strength jumps to 28 in 29-member KHADC House

SHILLONG: The ruling People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) led by People’s Democratic Front (PDF) has got a major boost after Congress MDCs extended their support to the PDA executive committee led by CEM PN Syiem.
The Congress MDCs sent a letter of support bearing the signatures of Kimfa S Marbaniang, Donevan Wanlang, Lamphrang Blah and Process T Sawkmie to Syiem, a Congress rebel and founder chairman of PDF.
With the support of the Congress MDCs, the effective strength of the PDA has gone up to 28 members in the House of 29.
The coalition partners in the PDA are PDF, Congress, UDP, NPP, HSPDP and one independent MDC. Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement MDC Adelbert Nongrum is not supporting the PDA, making him the lone Opposition member in the KHADC.
Speaking to reporters, Syiem said the support given by the Congress MDCs was crucial as it comes at a time when discussions are underway on critical issues like MUDA byelaws and relocation of Sweepers’ Lane.
Syiem also urged Nongrum, the lone fence sitter to join hands with the EC to further strengthen it and enable it to take up pertinent pending issues for discussion.