Shillong, Jan 29: Former Nongkrem MLA, and former President of the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has quit the psrty along with 18 other leaders.

Basaiawmoit’s decision came ahead of the elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council slated for February 27.

Basaïawmoit along with 18 other leaders the party submitted a joint resignation letter to acting president of the HSPDP, K. Phlastingwell Pangniang and informed about their decision to resign from primary membership of the party with immediate effect.

On March 6 last year, Basaiawmoit, the former MLA of Nongkrem constituency, stepped down as HSPDP president owing moral responsibility for the party’s debacle in the 2018 Assembly elections.

Basaïawmoit was one of the four sitting MLAs of the HSPDP who lost the 2018 Assembly polls.

Basaiawmoit was defeated by Independent candidate, Lambor Malngiang from Nongkrem constituency by amargin of 76 votes.

Malngiang is now the chairman of the State Planning Board and supported the MDA government.