Ardent hints at quitting as KHADC CEM

SHILLONG, SEPT 12: As the United Democratic Party (UDP) is mounting pressure on the HSPDP for replacement of Ardent Basaiawmoit as the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM), Basaiawmoit on Friday hinted that he is likely to “step-down” from the chair to end the present imbroglio and a decision will be made public during a public meeting on September 19.

“I will declare and give my final decision on the matter at the meeting proposed to be held at Students’ Field, Jaiaw on Friday next,” Basaiawmoit told reporters at news conference on Friday.  He, however, refused to give directly say that he would step-down but only hinted that his decision would centre-around the ongoing scenario in the council.

The UDP wants  Basaiawmoit ouster from the CEM’s post citing its opposition against his style of functioning.

UDP is one of the three coalition partners along with Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) of the All Regional Parties Alliance (ARPA).

Basaiawmoit said, “I have decided to call for a public meeting in order to put an end to the present impasse in the council.”

Admitting that the present imbroglio has affected the smooth functioning of KHADC’s executive committee, Basaiawmoit said, “I don’t want to be the reason behind the fall of the ARPA,” adding “I have faith in my abilities that I can still continue my services to the public even if am not holding this position.”

Though HSPDP’s recent decision was in favour of Basaiawmoit continuation as the CEM , he however said, “I expressed my gratefulness to my party for standing by my side but I have personally taken this decision to convene this meeting to let people know about my stand on the present situation.”

However, there are criticism that allege Basaiawmoit is unnecessarily involving innocent public in the crisis faced by ARPA.

Recently, local traders from Iewduh had gone and demonstrated in front of the district council in protest against the demand of the UDP to remove Basaiawmoit.

Reacting to this, Basaiawmoit categorically denied of involving the public and said, “I have not at any point of time involved the public,” adding “In fact it is their own decision and the voice of the people itself indicated that they are totally against the demand to remove me as the CEM.”

Basaiawmoit stated that what the public has showed in recent days should be encouraged and is an indication that a time has come that the public can no longer be fool by anybody, adding “If lawmakers are trying to bring in acts which are anti people, the public have every right to voice out their concerns.”  He asserted that he does not have time to design any campaign and is not interested. –By Our Reporter