Lyngdoh appointed as PDF acting president

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 12, 2019

SHILLONG: Cabinet minister Banteidor Lyngdoh has been appointed as the acting president of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) following the decision of its leader Ivanlumlang Marbaniang to step down from the top post.

Marbaniang was the founding president of the PDF, which was formed on March 31, 2017, and under his leadership the party had won 4 of 60 Assembly seats in the 2018 polls.

His decision was welcomed by the party leaders and functionaries during the central executive committee (CEC) meeting held on Monday. Marbaniang was also appointed as the new chairman of the party.

The chairman post was lying vacant after the former Mawsynram MLA and now MDC of Pynthorumkhrah Pynshngain N Syiem quit the party floated by him and joined the National People’s Party (NPP).

Addressing media persons here on Tuesday, Marbaniang said that the main reasons for his sudden decision to quit the president’s post was to further strengthen the party especially for the upcoming 2023 Assembly elections.

“Accepting my offer, the CEC has unanimously decided to appoint Lyngdoh as the acting president and also decided to appoint me as the new chairman of the party. We have also decided to work as a team to further strengthen our party in the state,” he said.

Marbaniang also maintained that his decision was not made under any pressure but was due to some other personal responsibilities.

On the other hand, Lyngdoh on taking over as the acting president told reporters that the party would elect its full fleged president during the general council meeting to be held next year.

Lyngdoh is presently the working president of the PDF. As cabinet minister, he is in-charge of sports and youth affairs and agriculture department.

He said Marbaniang’s decision came as a shock to all the CEC members during the meeting. “However, the post of chairman given to him (Marbaniang) is also equivalent to the post of a president in the party,” the minister said.

Lyngdoh also sought the support and cooperation of leaders of the different zonal committees.