Syiem exit won’t affect party before council polls: PDF

SHILLONG: The People’s Democratic Front (PDF) on Wednesday accepted the resignation of its chairman, PN Syiem, and said his quitting would not have an adverse impact on the party before the district council elections.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, PDF president Ivanlumlang Marbaniang said Syiem was present at the central executive committee (CEC) meeting in September and November but failed to attend the one in December.
“It is wrong to say that the party did not consult him. The party did not sideline him, we respect him,” he said.
Marbaniang revealed that Syiem had demanded removal of the president and general secretary Auspicious Lyngdoh “but the party did not sideline Syiem despite the demand”.
On the dissolution of the Mawsynram PDF zonal committee, Marbaniang said the PDF will meet the committee members and the letter to dissolve it “has not been accepted yet”.
The post of chairman in the PDF is currently vacant.
The list of candidates for the council polls will likely be out next week.
PDF MLA and cabinet minister Banteidor Lyngdoh said the party will make an effort to field candidates in all the constituencies.
As for the Mawsynram seat, Auspicious said some have expressed their willingness to come forward and contest from Mawsynram.
The party members maintained that the exit of Syiem will not have a negative impact on the party’s poll prospects. “PDF is still strong and united,” Auspicious added.
Office bearers
To further strengthen the party, the PDF has decided to start the functioning of district committees in January. Sohra MLA Gavin Mylliem will look after East Khasi Hills, Dipshon Ryntathiang and Peter Thongni will look after Ri Bhoi, Hadrian Lyngdoh and Ivan Marbaniang will look after South West Khasi Hills. For Shillong city, the functionaries are Emlang Lyttan, Frederick Lynshiang and James ban Basaiawmoit.
The two vice-presidents of the party are MDC James Ban Basaiawmoit and MLA Jason Mawlong, working presidents are Cabinet ministers Banteidor Lyngdoh and Hamlet Dohling, publicity secretary is Eleazer Chyne and chief organising secretary is Dipshon Ryntathiang.