SHILLONG, Feb 3: For the National People’s Party (NPP), which leads the Executive Committee in both the KHADC and the JHADC, the anti-incumbency factor will not affect the party in the election to both the Councils, the KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) and NPP candidate, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, said on Monday.
Talking to reporters after filing his nomination from Nongthymmai, Syiem said the electorate usually votes for individuals and not for political parties. He said one needs a political party for the sake of a symbol. “I would appeal to all the candidates to keep the interest of their parties aside. The people’s interest should be their top priority,” he said. Syiem, who represents the Sohryngkham constituency, said he decided to shift to Nongthymmai after receiving a request from the people to fill the gap left behind by the late Latiplang Kharkongor.
“I would not have agreed to contest from Nongthymmai if Kharkongong was alive, as he would have won,” he said.
Syiem said he sought the blessings of the family of the late MDC before deciding to contest from Nongthymmai. The late Kharkongor represented Nongthymmai for four consecutive terms since 2004.
The CEM urged the electorate from Khasi and Jaintia Hills to vote for candidates who can deliver.
According to him, the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule is critical and the people should elect leaders who will be able to follow up this matter with the Centre.
“Despite difficulties, I have been continuously following up on the matter,” he said.
The CEMs of the Bodoland Territorial Council, Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council, and Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council accompanied Syiem during the filing of the nomination papers.
Syiem is the convener of the Pyniaid of Confederation of the North Eastern Council which has 10 ADCs from the region as members.
