SHILLONG: To check defections, the new CEM of KHADC Adelbert Nongrum will pursue the earlier move of the KHADC to bring it under the purview of the anti-defection law.
In the absence of any anti-defection law, there is a fear that the Congress, which is the largest party in the KHADC with 10 members, can effect a division within the present coalition –All Regional Parties Alliance (ARPA) — to form an Executive Committee replacing the present one.
However, allaying the fears in this regard, the CEM said that ARPA is united and will last the full term.
He, however, said that the anti-defection law should be implemented at the earliest in KHADC and added that the matter will be followed up.
Prior to the elections to the district councils, the UDP had prevented its MDCs from defecting to other parties, by way inking a deed of agreement with all its candidates under the Indian Contract Act, 1872. The agreement binds the candidates to remain with the party for the next five years.
Earlier, there was a move on the part of the Centre to bring district councils under the anti-defection law like the state legislatures and Parliament.
Since 2009 KHADC has seen three CEMs– Dr Celestine Lyngdoh, Manstudy Nongrem and Pynshgain N Syiem. This year KHADC got the second CEM after Ardent Basaiawmoit relinquished the post.
The KHADC session is starting from October 28 and the present KHADC CEM hopes that the session will be smooth.
Asked what would be the action plan if the Congress brings a no-confidence motion, Nongrum said that there was no cause of worry as ARPA is united despite the initial hiccups.
