Shillong, Mar 4: The first session of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council for taking oath of newly elected members and for the election of new chairman of the council has been summoned by Governor, Tathagata Roy.

The Governor has also directed East Khasi Hills district Deputy Commissioner, Matsiewdor War to administer the oath of office to the newly elected members on Wednesday at 11 am, and to conduct the election for the post of Chairman on Friday at 11 am.

Veteran member of the United Democratic Party (UDP) from Shella constituency, Teiñwell Dkhar has been elected as the candidate for for the CEM post.

Dkhar is being supported by the National People’s Party, Hill State People’s Democratic Party, People’s Democratic Front and Independents.

Dkhar was elected for the fourth consecutive time from Shella since 2004. He is at present the chairman of the Council.

The UDP and NPP have seven members each, two members of the HSPDP, one member of the PDF, and two Independents.

The post deputy CEM will go to two-time member of the NPP from Sohryngkham constituency, Pynïaid Sing Syiem.

Another senior HSPDP member from Mawkynrew constituency, Martle N. Mukhim will be inducted as executive member.

Meanwhile the Congress which has kept its offer open for working together with the UDP is keeping a close watch over the political development in the KHADC.

The Congress emerged as the single largest party winning 10 seats.

As the anti-defection law is not applicable in the district councils, the opposition party is also in touch with members from other political parties for the formation of a new executive committee in the Council.

The Congress needs five more members to cross the half way mark in the 29-member Council.

Senior most member from Mawphlang-Diengïei constituency Lamphrang Blah who won for the fourth consecutive time since 2004 was elected as the Congress Parliamentary Party leader.

Blah said that the party was would sit in the opposition, if friends (members) from other parties decided not to work with the Congress, and will play an effective role as opposition.

Nongshken MDC, Grace Mary Kharpuri said that the Congress will make the opposition strong and effective in the Council.

Congress MLA from Mawsynram, H.M. Shangpliang said that leaders of the party had met UDP president, Donkupar Roy and also spoke to UDP member, Paul Lyngdoh on the need to work together in the KHADC.

“We offered the CEM post to the UDP, and they also told us that they would like to work with us (Congress). However they would first discuss with partners that have together formed the government in the state,” Shangpliang said.

Shangpliang and Congress MP, Vincent H Pala also said that the party was keeping its offer open to the UDP and other parties on the need to work together in the KHADC.

The Congress has not taken any decision to either contest the elections for the post of chairman or CEM post.

In Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council, the NPP will form the executive committee with the UDP.