Congress pulls out of NPP-led EC in KHADC ahead of ADC polls

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 13, 2024

The Congress on Friday finally pulled out of the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Khasi Hills Democratic Forum (KHDF) executive committee (EC) in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).

Accordingly, Congress PP leader in KHADC Pynshngainlang N Syiem tendered his resignation as deputy chief executive member (Dy.CEM) and Ronnie V Lyngdoh as Chairman of the Advisory Committee in the KHADC.

Both the resignation letters and letter of withdrawing support have been submitted to the KHADC chief and chairman of KHDF Pyniaid Sing Syiem.

Addressing media persons, Pynshngainlang N Syiem said, “We were left with no option but to pull out of the KHDF-led EC. Since our party leaders and workers were not finding it convenient to work with the NPP in the KHADC, we have decided to respect their views and opinions.”

He reminded that the party leaders and workers had been insisting on the Congress leadership in the KHADC to immediately withdraw support to the NPP-led EC since September 20, earlier this year. Also the presidents of the district congress committees (DCCs) have recently written a letter to the AICC seeking its intervention into the delay of the MDCs to pull out of the NPP-led EC in KHADC.

Asked the reason behind the delay to withdraw support to the NPP, Syiem however said, “From the first day we decided to work with the NPP in the KHADC, we have made it clear about our assignments which is to pursue the important issues like proposed amendment in the Sixth Schedule, to empower the traditional institutions. These were under process towards their fulfilment. Therefore, it was not wise for us to rush in taking decisions since there are issues, which we still need to work together for the larger interest of the indigenous community. Therefore, the delay.”

Lauding the KHDF-led EC for achieving so much within a short span of time, Syiem said, “We were able to achieve and address many issues that related traditional institutions, women and youth organizations, and the traditional clan system. Even in regards to the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule, just recently, we had met the Adviser of the Ministry of Home Affairs to discuss our suggestions. These are the reasons why we delay making a decision on withdrawing from the EC.”

Further, Syiem highlighted the good suggestions made by the EC in regards to the proposed amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India.

“(We have suggested) that the Governor cannot appoint or nominate any MDC without recommendation of the district council. We have insisted that appointment of a nominated MDC should be on the recommendation of the district council. Therefore, we have protected the interest of the district council and our people,” he said while adding “We have also opposed the proposed introduction of unrepresented tribes. We say there will be only two nominated MDC and one of them should be a woman and their names should be recommended by the district council.”

“In regards to finance, we say it should be as recommended by the district council. Furthermore, the powers to exempt the central laws including CAA, on this, we say that the power should be given back to the Governor and not President for exemption of central laws. If the Governor can exempt central laws, it will be a great blessing,” he added further.

On the other hand, the Congress leader said that the party’s decision to withdraw support will not have any impact on its prospects in the upcoming elections to the KHADC.

“It will not affect us in the upcoming election as it will depend on the performance of the leaders. If Congress MDCs can do so much within a short span of time, people will instead expect more from us and we will deliver,” he said.

To another query, Syiem responded that the Congress will be sitting in the opposition bench and is ready to play a constructive role in the House.  

“We will be a constructive opposition. But if they are not performing well, we will constructively oppose them,” he said.

“Our decision to withdraw support will not affect the EC as they still have majority. They still have 16 or 17 members in the KHDF,” he also claimed.