SHILLONG: PN Syiem resigned from the post of chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council on Tuesday without facing the trial of strength at the special session.
Syiem’s resignation left HS Shylla, the NPP MDC, disappointed as no debate could be initiated by the rebel members who planned to move no-confidence motion against Syiem.
“There are issues to be discussed. If Syiem gives an explanation who knows we will withdraw the NC? We want explanation and if we are not satisfied, then we move for voting and if we are satisfied with his explanation, we will withdraw which is the norm,” said Shylla after the KHADC chairman did not allow him to discuss various issues.
Chairman LG Nongsiej announced during the session that he received Syiem’s resignation letter in the morning and that it would be forwarded to the governor for his acceptance and schedule date for electing the new CEM.
Syiem was not present at the session. The 17 dissident MDCs include those from NPP, UDP, HSPDP, Syiem’s party members from PDF and an independent.
At the session, Shylla said the burning issue of Sweepers’ Lane and the EC’s actions taken on the illegal settlers there should be discussed. “People are saying we are trying to topple the CEM, we have to… as he did not move in the right direction to achieve the relocation of the settlers of Them Metor,” he added.
UDP MDC Antonio War said Syiem’s absence points to something suspicious.
“There are so many issues to be discussed but he does not want to discuss it in the House. People want to know what the lapses on his part are. It is not only about toppling him,” Shylla said.
Later, in another meeting at Orchid Hotel, he said that Syiem’s resignation before the emergent session only proves that the allegations against his style of functioning were true.
“His decision to resign before the session shows that he is focusing on the Ranikor by-election, which goes on to show that he has no responsibility towards leading the KHADC,” he added.
Nongsiej spoke about the turn of events of the day and said, “Since the CEM resigned, there is no other agenda left to discuss.”
He informed that the usual session of the KHADC will start on July 25.
Meanwhile, Syiem told reporters on Tuesday that he was not surprised with the toppling game of the MDCs but this time it proved to be a blessing in disguise as he will get time to sufficient time to prepare for the bye-elections.
“It is not final yet as to whether I will contest the Ranikor by-election. But as things stand there are strong possibilities I will have to contest,” he said.
Syiem said with his resignation, other members will be able to lead the Council. Asked on whether the PDF would join the new KHADC alliance, Syiem said, “It all depends on the new PP leader, James Ban Basaiawmoit. We will meet to take a call on the matter.”
Commenting on the criticism that he inducts and drops the executive members at his own whims and fancies, Syiem said, “It is the prerogative of the CEM to induct or drop any EM.”
