Shillong, June 19: Opposition Members of the District Council (MDCs) in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) staged a walkout from the House on Thursday, the final day of the Summer Session, following a heated exchange with the Executive Committee (EC) led by the Voice of the People Party (VPP) and Chairman Strong Pillar Kharjana.

The walkout came amid allegations by Opposition members that the ruling Executive Committee, headed by Chief Executive Member (CEM) Winstone Tony Lyngdoh, was using its majority strength to override established parliamentary practices and limit meaningful discussions on important issues before the Council.

Tensions escalated after Opposition MDCs expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the Executive Committee responded to questions and issues raised during the session. They alleged that the EC did not provide adequate opportunities for Opposition members to effectively participate in discussions concerning the administration and functioning of the Council.

Leader of Opposition and Sohra MDC, Titustarwell Chyne, voiced strong objections in the House, alleging that the Executive Committee was evading critical questions and failing to provide clear responses on several issues related to the Council.

Chyne said the Opposition has a constitutional responsibility to scrutinise the functioning of the Executive Committee and hold it accountable. However, he claimed that the conduct of the proceedings hindered the Opposition from carrying out this role effectively.

Other Opposition MDCs supported Chyne’s stand, arguing that the proceedings appeared to focus more on defending the Executive Committee rather than promoting open and democratic debate within the House.

Following prolonged exchanges and after their concerns were not addressed to their satisfaction, the Opposition members staged a walkout as a mark of protest, highlighting the widening divide between the ruling side and the Opposition over the conduct of the House.

The Executive Committee, however, rejected the allegations and maintained that the proceedings were conducted strictly in accordance with the KHADC Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business.

The ruling side asserted that all members were given adequate opportunities to raise questions and participate in debates, provided the discussions remained within the framework of the rules governing the House.

Despite the Opposition walkout, the House continued with its scheduled business and completed several agenda items before the Summer Session concluded.