MDCs gripped by fear of election: Chyne

SHILLONG:

Following his ouster as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), United Democratic Party (UDP) MDC Titostarwell Chyne has claimed that the fear of facing elections has gripped some of the MDCs.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, he said, “They want extension and want to enjoy more months.”

Stating that the extension of the KHADC depends on the government, he pointed to the matter of delimitation as seats are now increased to 40.

“Delimitation cannot be done in a short span of time, and maybe that would be reason to extend the House,” he said.

On the toppling of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Executive Committee led by him, he said, “From the signs, it all indicates that there was a direction from their (MDCs) leaders who have directed them to remove me as the CEM. There are few MLAs who have wanted to remove me as they know that having me as the CEM is a threat to them.”

Giving subtle hints, he further said, “When they joined the NPP also, their foremost condition was to remove me as CEM.”

Asked if he was referring to the two People’s Democratic Front (PDF) who joined the National People’s Party (NPP) – Gavin Mylliem and Bateidor Lyngdoh–  Chyne refused to disclose names but maintained that there are MLAs who do not want him to be the CEM.

It may be mentioned that Mylliem is a Sohra MLA while Chyne is an MDC from Sohra and unsuccessfully contested the recent Assembly elections from Sohra.

No financial or political crisis: Chyne

Commenting on the statement that support was needed to prevent the imposition of Governor’s rule, Chyne said, “The statement made on the imposition of Governor’s rule is foolish. It is nonsense. At this juncture, such a statement is childish. It is only meant to beguile the public. You think people will not know what Governor’s rule is?”

With a sarcastic tone, Chyne said that there was no political crisis in the UDA for the Congress to “rescue” a party to prevent the imposition Governor’s rule.

“Governor’s rule comes in the picture only when there is crisis – be it financial or political crisis but there is no such crisis now. When they tabled the no-confidence motion in the House, was there anyone who withdrew from the UDA? Were there MDCs who resigned as EM? No one! This means all of us were intact in the House even before the motion was moved. For instance, if some party withdraws from the UDA before the session or if EMs resign, then that can be called a crisis which can lead to a hung House where no party are able to form an alliance,” he said.

Commenting on the NPP MDCs’ attitude towards UDP in the KHADC even though the two are working together in the state Assembly, Chyne who is the president of UDP East Khasi Hills District Unit, said that the matter will be discussed at the party level as it is the decision of the MLAs and the leaders of the party.

‘UDP never betrays’

Chyne said that the party is firm in its promises and said, “When we work together with any party, we never betray anyone. You have seen in the past. We worked with the Congress when Bah Bindo (Lanong) was the Deputy CEM. The UDP was pressured to withdraw but we persevered till the end.’’

He said it would be easy for him to drop the NPP and induct Congress but he did not renege on the agreement made.

‘HONOUR AGREEMENT’

Chyne also he hoped that the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, would honour the agreement made with former UDP chief (L) Donkupar Roy by not removing senior member Bindo M Lanong as nominated MDC in view of the political development in the KHADC.

Chyne told reporters that the appointment of the nominated MDC was based on an agreement made with the NPP in 2019, when Roy was president of the UDP and was Assembly Speaker.

“I still believe that the CM will honour the agreement made with Roy and ensure Lanong as senior member will continue as nominated MDC. Lanong has been a blessing to the Council due to his immense contributions. Therefore, I don’t see that the government will remove him considering his political stature,” he said.