Shillong, Nov 20: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Chairman of the Pynshngaiñlang N Syiem has denied that he was the mastermind behind the toppling of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA)-led executive committee on Wednesday.
Syiem also maintained that he is not after the post of the Chief Executive Member (CEM).
Syiem, who is an NPP MDC from Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah, had voted against the Teiñwell Dkhar-led executive committee during the no-confidence motion moved by opposition leader Lamphrang Blah. The UDA lost by one vote
The UDA comprised of members from the National People’s Party (NPP), United Democratic Party (UDP), Hill State People’s Democratic Alliance (HSPDP) and People’s Democratic Front (PDF).
“I don’t know about that (mastermind). However, the present EC has failed as many important Bills are lying pending in the secretariat including the Bills related to the salary of the members,†he said.
The former KHADC chief said he has decided to vote in support of the No-confidence motion moved by the opposition Congress after listening to the debates in the House.
“For me, the interest of the indigenous community would always come first before the party or the government,†he said while adding that the EC has failed to call for a meeting with the traditional heads and other stakeholders to discuss on the contentious issue related to the Citizenship Amendment Bill.
Whether his action would be taken as an anti-party activity, Syiem however said, “It is not anti-party activity as in the district council, there is no anti-defection law.â€
The chairman also said that he is still an MDC of the NPP and has no intention to resign.
To a query, Syiem maintained that he is not interested in the CEM post, and is happy with the present position. “I will not agree to contest for the post of CEM,†he said.
