Congress MDCs extend unconditional support to PDA in KHADC

SHILLONG, JUNE 18: The ruling People’s Democratic Front (PDF)-led People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) today got a shot in its arms when 4 opposition Congress MDCs decided to extend their full support to the executive committee.

With this sudden political development, almost all the political parties are supporting the ruling PDA leaving the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), which has only one member Adelbert Nongrum in the opposition side.

Apart from PDF, which has 11 MDCs in its kitty, the PDA comprises of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP), National People’s Party (NPP) and an independent MDC.

The letter of support signed by the 4 Congress MDCs was submitted to the chairman of the PDA Pynshngain N Syiem, who is also the KHADC chief executive member (CEM).

“We resolved to extend our unconditional support to the executive committee of the PDA under your (PN Syiem leadership,” the Congress MDCs stated in the letter.

The four MDCs include Lamphrang Blah, who is also leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the Council, Kimfa M Marbaniang, Donevan Wanlang and Process T Sawkmie.

Interestingly, Sawkmie, who is also opposition Congress legislator from Mawlai, is also the opposition chief whip in the State Legislative Assembly.

Except the Congress and KHNAM, all the political parties supporting the PDA are also coalition partners of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government led by the National People’s Party (NPP) under the leadership of chief minister Conrad K Sangma.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, the KHADC chief, PN Syiem said, “I am very happy that the Congress has come forward to support the PDA. As a leader I feel that this is important to further strengthen the EC so that we can take up issues concerning the indigenous community.”

It may be mentioned here that Syiem was a former Congress leader but later floated the PDF after he was suspended by the Congress for three years when he rebelled against the former chief minister Mukul Sangma.

By Our Reporter