By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 30: The Nongthymmai MDC of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), Winston Tony Lyngdoh, has been elected unopposed as the new Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
His election was declared by KHADC Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana during a special session of the Council on Tuesday, after the Opposition decided not to field any candidate.
In his address to the House after his election, Lyngdoh described the sudden resignation of former CEM Shemborlang Rynjah as a “huge loss” for the Executive Committee (EC).
He praised Rynjah’s dedication and willingness to work collectively, highlighting that despite health challenges, he has always led with sincerity and commitment.
“The resignation of Bah Rynjah is a personal loss to me, as I will no longer be able to seek his advice and suggestions.
However, I understand that his health must come first. I have urged him to focus on treatment and assured him that we, his colleagues, will shoulder the responsibilities of the Council until he fully recovers,” Lyngdoh said.
He added that every MDC from the party acknowledged Rynjah’s leadership qualities and tireless efforts to strengthen the functioning of the Council.
Lyngdoh thanked his party, his fellow MDCs, and the people of Nongthymmai for the faith and confidence reposed in him.
“I am truly grateful to my party for entrusting me with this responsibility, and to my colleagues from both the ruling and opposition benches for their advice and support. Most importantly, I thank the people of Nongthymmai constituency for electing me as their MDC. I pray that God grants me the wisdom to serve with humility and responsibility,” he said.
The Leader of the Opposition, Titosstarwell Chyne, congratulated Lyngdoh and expressed hope that the new VPP-led EC will continue to implement the roadmap set for the Council.
“Although the EC has been in office for only six months, time does not wait. We expect that under your leadership, you will deliver on the expectations of the people who have given the VPP the mandate. As the Opposition, we assure our support but will also not hesitate to offer suggestions or point out any mistakes,” Chyne stated.
Kharjana also congratulated Lyngdoh, expressing confidence that the ED under his leadership will remain stable and effectively carry out the functions of the Council.
Lack of cordiality between ruling, Opp sides
Leader of Opposition in the KHADC, Titosstarwell Chyne, on Tuesday voiced concern over what he described as a lack of cordiality between the ruling and opposition members of the Council.
Speaking during the special session after the election of VPP’s Winston Tony Lyngdoh as the new CEM, Chyne observed that since the VPP-led EC took charge six months ago, relations between the two sides have become strained.
“In the past, MDCs from both the ruling and opposition benches maintained a very cordial relationship and worked together on matters of importance to the council. But in the last six months, this closeness has been missing,” Chyne said.
He stressed the need to rebuild a conducive atmosphere for cooperation. “We may debate inside the House, but outside we must maintain cordial ties. We are not here for personal interest, but to serve the council and protect the indigenous Khasi tribe,” Chyne said.
He expressed optimism that the situation would improve and urged the new CEM to take the initiative in bridging the gap between the two sides.
Responding to these concerns, newly elected CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh disagreed with Chyne’s assessment. “I want to assure this House that we are ready to work closely with the opposition MDCs,” Lyngdoh said.
The CEM added, “I appeal to all opposition members to feel free to visit my office and the offices of the Executive Members of the EC.”
Lyngdoh further said that he is disappointed with the remark of the Leader of Opposition (LO) since in the past six months they have made all efforts to be accommodative to the fellow MDCs from the opposition.
Informing that the former CEM has always tried to be accommodative to any issues by the opposition MDCs, he said that the doors of all the Executive Member are always open.
“We have never decline to meet any of the opposition MDCs whenever they come forward to share their grievances,” he said.
While admitting may be the Leader of Opposition might have seen about the gap which he share his concern, Lyngdoh however assured that if there is a such a thing as observe by the LO then they are going to address this by ensuring that there is a cordial relationship among the MDCs from both sides.
