Syiem to be KHADC chairman

SHILLONG: Former KHADC chief executive member P N Syiem will be the chairman of KHADC as per the decision of the parties supporting the coalition in the council.
Keeping the Congress away, the regional forces in the state — UDP, HSPDP, NPP, PDF and a few Independent MDCs — have decided to form the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) with the support of 19 MDCs.
The CEM designate of the KHADC, Teinwell Dkhar, after a meeting here on Tuesday said the UDA will be supported by Regional Democratic Alliance (10 MDCs) and People’s Democratic Alliance (nine MDCs).
RDA comprises six UDP, two HSPDP and one Independent, T. Pathaw.
The combination of People’s Democratic Alliance is seven NPP, one PDF and two Independents, Lambor Malngiang and Latiplang Kharkongor. On the other hand, NPP MDC Syiem said he has been elected as the chairman designate of the KHADC, adding that the posts of executive members will be prerogative of the CEM to decide.
He, however, added that the election of the CEM and the chairman of the council will be held on March 7.
When asked how the alliance would ensure stability in the absence of anti-defection law in the council, Syiem said they have come up with a new formula where RDA and PDA will jointly discuss the issues from time to time to ensure stability.
In addition, a coordination committee would also be constituted to see that the grievances of the MDCs are addressed.
Regarding the priorities of the new Executive Committee, he said it would take forward the Village Administration Bill since it has come back from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Stating that the issue of MUDA is yet to be resolved, he said the coalition in the Council would discuss as to how to go about the Khasi Lineage Bill.
On the other hand, Lambor Malngiang, who has been appointed as the chairman of the PDA, admitted that the frequent instability in the council in the recent past has affected the programmes of the council.
“But we have decided that we will work together to ensure that the new alliance completes its full term,” Malngiang added.