SHILLONG, MAR 1: Congress MDC Donevan Wanlang on Tuesday was elected unopposed as the new deputy chairman of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) unopposed.
Wanlang, who had just relinquish the post of an Executive Member holding the Land, Mines and Minerals portfolios, was declared elected unopposed as the deputy chairman by the KHADC chairman Manstudy Nongrem during the session.
The newly elected deputy chairman was also seen escorted by the KHADC CEM PN Syiem, deputy CEM PT Sawkmie and EM in-charge Finance Neil Antonio War to the chair, which was lying vacant for the past four months.
Former KHADC chairperson and HSPDP MDC Teilinia Thangkhiew was absent during the election.
The election was termed as historic by the MDCs of the ruling People Democratic Forum (PDF) who congratulated Wanlang for being the first MDC who was ready to quit the EM post and contribute to the welfare of the council as a deputy chairman.
According to them, most of the times the MDCs are found to be reluctant to take up the post.
Speaking during the felicitation ceremony, KHADC CEM PN Syiem said, “We have full confident that the new deputy chairman as an experience person as an MDC and EM will govern the house as per the AD rules.”
Stating that the role of a deputy chairman is important, he said, “This will not only help to assist the chairman and the legislative wing but to a great extent improve the functioning of the council as a whole.”
KHADC deputy CEM PT Sawkmie remarked that the council has got its third deputy chairman while emphasizing the need to maintain the decorum of the house.
KHNAM MDC f Adelbert Nongrum said that Wanlang has created a history for himself for his readiness to leave the EM post and take up the post of a deputy chairman.
“We expect that your role will also be to unite all the MDCs of the council especially when the council is going through tough time with interference from the state government,” he said.
The former KHADC CEM also urged KHADC not concentrate too much on electing new deputy chairman, new CEM and Dy CEM but give more importance on the need to strengthen the district council as per provision of the Sixth Schedule.
Participating during the ceremony, HSPDP MDC Pyniaid Sing Syiem, who is also a former deputy chairman urged Wanlang to be neutral while conducting the proceeding of the house.
“We hope that you will not be bias but give ears to the voice of the opposition, who is at the moment having only two members,” he said.
Wanlang expressed his gratefulness to the 21 members of the ruling PDF for showing their confidence in him.
“I am glad that in these two years, it has been enriching for me as an MDC, I get to experience as an opposition member, as an EM and now as a deputy chairman,” Wanlang said while seeking the support and cooperation of everybody to ensure the improvement of functioning and welfare of the council.-By Our Reporter
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