SHILLONG: P.N Syiem, the leader of the KHADC coalition People’s Democratic Forum (PDF), has lashed out at UDP stating that their intention to pull out of PDF is a political gimmick.
The Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the KHADC told reporters on Tuesday that UDP’s move was “wrong” and meant to weaken the coalition so that it could gain political vantage point for the 2018 elections.
“Their (the UDP leaders’) claim that there is misappropriation of Council funds and financial corruption of the CEM is only an excuse… In fact, they should come forward and state upfront that they want to weaken the Forum in order to benefit in the next election,” he added.
Syiem said UDP is facing a threat in the coming 2018 elections “because the Forum is getting stronger”.
Elaborating on this, Syiem said some MDCs will contest against UDP MLAs in the 2018 elections. For instance, MDC Latiplang Kharkongor will face UDP MLA Jemino Mawthoh while BJP MDC Neil Antonio War will contest against veteran UDP member Bindo Lanong.
“The allegations of fund misappropriation are simply a ruse to weaken them. As for the misappropriation of Council funds, on the part of the Executive Committee (EC) we have taken it seriously and constituted a magisterial inquiry. Later, the House Committee was constituted after the House (during the Council sessions) said the matter needs to be studied further,” he added.
Pointing out that even the members of the House Committee have endorsed the inquiry to the Executive Committee, Syiem said, “An FIR was filed at Lumdiengjri Police against the then secretary (Welljune Syiemlieh, former secretary of KHADC) to investigate the truth.”
The House Committee submitted the report during a special session. A section of the MDCs, including UDP’s H.S Shylla, had called for the CEM’s resignation.
“As per the statement of the Secretary it is unclear what amount I have defalcated,” Syiem said.
Referring to the Khasi Heritage Conservation Forum (KHCF) 2013, Syiem said that there was no misuse of money. Secondly, the KHCF 2016 has refunded the amount.
“UDP MDCs are not unanimous about withdrawing from the PDF. Being a leader, I don’t want to rush and drop names. But they should understand whether the CEM is corrupt or not”, Syiem said.
He pointed out that there should not be any allegations before the final report is tabled, adding that everything will be made clear as to “who is financially corrupt and who is politically corrupt”.
“If there is any allegation, there should be evidence. The allegation arose only because the secretary did not route the amount of money through proper channel.”
EC is still strong
The Executive Committee is still strong as the UDP MDCs are yet to resign from the posts of Executive Member, Syiem said.
Commenting on the issue of toppling of the EC, he said, “The EC cannot be toppled outside the House. It has to be brought in the session which will be in June.”
During April-May, there is no threat even if my strength reduces to 10 members, he said.
Referring to UDP MDCs who have to make an independent decision on the matter, he said, MDCs in the KHADC are not after positions.
