Jolt to UDF and KHADC chairman as Congress MDC decides to support UDA in KHADC

Shillong, Dec 6: In a twist to the political development in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Congress member from Mairang-Nongkhlaw constituency, Batskhem Ryntathiang has decided to withdraw support from the Latiplang Kharkongor-led United Democratic Forum (UDF).

Ryntathiang decision came as a blow to the Congress-backed UDF, as well as KHADC chairman, Pynshngaiñlang N Syiem, who has been instrumental in toppling the UDA-led Executive Committee during the no confidence motion on November 20.

“I have decided to withdraw my support immediately…I have decided to lend an unconditional support to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA),” Ryntathiang said in a letter submitted to the KHADC chairman on Friday.

The UDF has now been reduced from 15 to 14 members, a chance that may help the United Democratic Party (UDP)-led UDA to bounce back to power in KHADC.

Kharkongor was elected as the new chief executive member (CEM) of the KHADC on November 22 following the collapsed of the UDA-led executive committee during a no-confidence motion moved by the Congress on November 20.

The Governor had also rejected the state government’s recommendation for Administrator’s rule in the KHADC citing that the latter should not interfere with the functioning of the district council.

On Thursday, the UDF has also filed a petition before the Meghalaya High Court against the delay of the Governor to approve the list of four executive members submitted by Kharkongor.

Meanwhile, Ryntathiang was also welcomed to the UDA by former KHADC deputy chief executive member Pynïaid Sing Syiem during a meeting held on Friday evening.

Earlier, while addressing a press conference, Ryntathiang told reporters that he has decided to support the UDA for its good performance.

Lauding the initiatives taken up by UDA-led executive committee, Ryntathiang said, “I have so much respect for the efforts put in especially by Paul Lyngdoh (to streamline the trade department).”

When asked, the Mairang-Nongkhlaw MDC said that he will not resign from the Congress as there is no rule which bars a member from deciding what is best for the community.

Meanwhile, UDP leader, Titosstarwell Chyne informed that there are three to four more MDCs who have expressed their interest to support the UDA.

“Our number is now 15, but we will wait for some more friends to come before forming the executive committee,” he said.