HSPDP accepts Ardent’s resgination as president

**HSPDP adhoc president PK Pangniang addressing media after the CEC meeting held here on Tuesday**

SHILLONG, APR 10: The post of the president of the Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) has fallen vacant after the party today decided to accept the resignation letter of its supremo Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.

The decision was taken at the central executive committee (CEC) meeting of the party held in the city here on Monday, which also decided to soon convene the general council meeting for electing of the new president of the party.

The vice president of the HSPDP and former MLA Phlastingwell Pangniang had also taken over as the adhoc president of the party.

Earlier soon after the formation of the new government last month, Basaiawmoit, who is also a former legislator from Nongrem, tendered his resignation from the post claiming responsibility for the recent drubbing of the party.

His decision also came after two MLAs of the HSPDP went to support the National People’s Party (NPP) led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, which had the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as one of its partners.

Basaiawmoit had stated that it was not right for him to lead the party if the MLAs defy party orders. HSPDP MLA from Sohiong Samlin Malngiang is one of the 11 cabinet ministers holding the PHE portfolio.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting here, Pangniang said, “After long deliberation and discussion, we have with a heavy heart unanimously decided to accept the resignation of Basaiawmoit.”

He said the CEC acknowledges the fact that Basaiawmoit had really worked hard for the party in the just concluded Assembly polls.

“However, we have also decided to take collective responsibility to further strengthen the party in the state,” Pangniang said.

Asked, he said that the former president was not in favour for the party to support the MDA government.

Meanwhile, the adhoc president further informed that the party will soon hold its general council meeting to elect the new president of the HSPDP.

It may be mentioned here, Basaiawmoit took over as the president of the HSPDP, which is one of the oldest regional parties in the state, following the passing away of its supremo Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, the longest serving legislator of the state in 2015.

By Our Reporter