SHILLONG, Dec 15: The State BJP on Saturday downplayed the Congress’s withdrawal from the NPP-led Executive Committee (EC) in the KHADC, shifting its focus to “unanswered” questions that, it claims, trouble the people.
The saffron party has questioned whether the Congress’s stated objective of amending the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution has been achieved, or if the withdrawal is simply a response to the public’s anti-NPP sentiment, with the Congress seeking to distance itself from the ruling coalition.
“No comments on the withdrawal by a political party. But as a member of the general public, many questions remain unanswered: What was the objective of joining an NPP-led coalition in the EC when you are in opposition in the Assembly?” asked State BJP chief spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang.
He further questioned, “If the Congress claims its objective was to amend the Sixth Schedule, has that objective been achieved? Or is this withdrawal more about avoiding association with the public’s anti-NPP sentiment?” Kharkrang added, “My take is that it’s too little, too late.”
Congress looks to be constructive Opp
Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) leader in the KHADC, Pynshngain N Syiem, on Sunday, said the party is prepared to play a constructive role as members of the opposition bench during the upcoming two-day winter session of the Council, scheduled to begin on December 19.
“As opposition members, we will support the Executive Committee (EC) for the good work they have done. However, we will oppose any policies of the ruling coalition that we find unsatisfactory,” said Syiem, a former Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the KHADC.
He added that Congress MDCs would actively participate in the session to deliberate on issues concerning the protection of the indigenous community and the overall welfare of the Council. “Nothing has changed. We were in the ruling coalition for the past year and a half. Now, as members of the opposition, we will continue to perform our duties as elected representatives,” Syiem remarked.
It may be recalled that three Congress MDCs, including Ronnie V Lyngdoh from Mylliem and Victor Rani from Jirang, withdrew their support for the NPP-led EC and the Khasi Hills Democratic Forum on Friday. This move marked the end of the collaboration between the Congress and the ruling coalition in the Council.
The Congress had been part of the EC since June last year following the collapse of the United Democratic Party-led EC. However, their withdrawal, just months ahead of the council elections, was anticipated, as several party leaders and workers had urged the MDCs to leave the ruling coalition.
Despite the Congress’ decision, the ruling coalition remains unaffected, as it still commands the support of 17 MDCs in the 30-member House.
