UDP appeal to voters,but stands by Syiem

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, DEC 6: Appealing to the electorates of the six MDC’s constituencies in Khasi hills that is going to poll on December 13 to vote for its party candidates, UDP, however, said on Tuesday it will continue to support and strengthened the  KHADC executive committee led by suspended Congress leader and chief exective member PN Syiem.

UDP president Donkupar Roy said the appeal to vote for its party candidates is made to provide “stability” to the ruling PDF led by Syiem.

“We appeal to the people to extend their support to our candidates for the six vacant seats in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to strengthen the PN Syiem led executive committee,” UDP chief Donkupar Roy told newsmen.

Roy informed that the objective of the UDP now is to ensure that Syiem’s executive committee should last till the end of the term even after the bye-elections.

The present ruling People Democratic Front (PDF) is having the support of 16 members including UDP, Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Independents.

Roy also claimed that the appeal to the voters have been made as its party candidates have fairer chance to win than those fielded by other coalition partner – KHNAM.

KHNAM is contesting only three seats – Nongkrem and Laban-Mawprem in East Khasi Hills and one from Pariong-Mawthadraishan in West Khasi Hills for the upcoming ADC by polls.

On the other hand UDP has fielded candidates from all the seven seats in both the KHADC and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).

Roy also made it clear that the UDP is not interested in the CEM post even if it wins majority of seats in the bye-elections as it is satisfied with the style of functioning of the present KHADC chief.

“We are happy with the way he (Syiem) is functioning as a leader because whenever there are grievances, he resolved it,” he added.