Shillong Mar 24: Two-time member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) from Sohra constituency, Titosstarwell Chyne has been elected as the new chief executive member (CEM).
Chyne was elected to the post without any contest during the special session of the KHADC on Tuesday which was held amid lockdown in the entire state.
Chyne is the leader of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The special session was convened mainly to take up the ‘no confidence motion’ against an executive committee led by Latiplang Kharkongor as the CEM, who also leads the United Democratic Forum (UDF).
The governor’s rule which was imposed on February 7 in KHADC, was lifted on March 21, after which, the governor convened the special session for taking up the ‘no-confidence motion’ on Tuesday (March 24).
After discussion on the no-confidence motion, KHADC chairman, Pynshngaiñlang N Syiem conducted the voting by asking the members to raise their hands.
As majority of the members raised their hands in support of the ‘no-confidence motion’ the Kharkongor-led executive committee was defeated and the executive committee collapsed.
The no-confidence motion was moved by member from Sohryngkham constituency, Pynïaid Sing Syiem, and supported by 20 members who are part of the coalition UDA.
After the collapse of the Kharkongor-led executive committee, the chairman announced the election to the CEM post on the same day at 1 pm, in view of the prevailing situation.
As no candidate was fielded by the coalition UDF, the chairman declared the election of Chyne the CEM post uncontested when members of the Council re-assembled for the session.
Members of the UDA pointed out that the KHADC had witnessed political instability in the past four months, and the no-confidence motion moved since the executive committee led by Kharkongor has not enjoyed majority in the 30-member Council.
Thanking all members, Chyne said that he needed the support of all and urged the members to continue giving suggestions for the interests of the Council and the people.
Chyne also talked about the proposed amendments to the Sixth Schedule and assured to carrying everybody along and work for ensuring transparency and accountability.
Many members including the chairman, congratulated Chyne on his election to the CEM post, and hoped that under his leadership, the new executive committee will be able to function and fulfill the aspirations of the people.
Former CEM, Kharkongor congratulated Chyne for getting elected to the CEM post, and said that he has no ill feeling for getting defeated in the ‘no-confidence motion’ since “I was elected as the CEM in the House, and defeated in the House.”