Ardent succumbs to UDP, resigns as CEM

SHILLONG, SEPT 26: Succumbing to the pressure of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Chief Executive Member (CEM) Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit resigned on Friday from the top council job even as he floated the name of KHADC chairperson  Teilinia Thangkhiew as his successor.

Basaiawmoit submitted his resignation to the governor KK Paul through Thangkhiew. Justifying his decision to step down from the CEM post, he said he was resigning for the sake of the unity of the All Regional Parties Alliance (ARPA) of which the UDP and KHNAM are part of the coalition.

“I have decided to resign from the CEM’s post for the sake of the ARPA’s unity,” Basaiawmoit told reporters after a meeting with few executive members (EMs) on Friday.

Present during his resignation announcement were KHADC’s chairperson Teilinia Thangkhiew, her deputy Pyniaid Sing Syiem, KHNAM’s MDC Adilbert Nongrum and EM in charge Trade Latiplang Kharkongor and others.

Basaiawmoit said,  “I have submitted my resignation letter to the Governor through our chairperson,” he said.

Basaiawmoit’s decision came after repeated pressure by the UDP to the HSPDP for replacing the CEM. The resignation came hours before the ARPA could hold its meeting to decide on the ongoing political crisis in the KHADC.

Earlier, four Executive Members (EMs) belonging to the UDP, including the deputy chief executive member (Dy CEM) Teinwell Dkhar, surrendered their portfolios to the CEM protesting against his alleged style of functioning.

The ARPA is a coalition of three regional parties – Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP), United Democratic Party (UDP) and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM).

Basaiawmoit said, “I had taken over as the CEM since March and during the past couple of months, I had become nothing but a stumbling block for the coalition partners of the ARPA,” adding “To my understanding, I had tried my level best to coordinate with all the members and to work for the fulfillment the aspiration of the people.”

Basaiawmoit, who is also the vice president of the HSPDP, added, “I had also decided to quit the chair in order to ensure that ARPA last till the end of its term.”

Sources informed that Basaiawmoit has also proposed the name of Thangkhiew as the new CEM of the KHADC. Asked on this, he said, “I will leave it to the wisdom of the party (HSPDP)’s high command to decide on the matter.”

Commenting on his decision to resign, Basaiawmoit said, “Let people of the state judge on this.”- By Our Reporter