Parties withdraw support to PDF

They have accused Syiem of “dividing” and “blackmailing” the regional parties by allegedly misusing the forum (PDF) to pave way for the formation of a new regional political party under the name of People Democratic Front (PDF).

The joint letter signed by 7 MDCs of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) was submitted to KHADC chief here on Monday.

The same was also jointly submitted to the KHADC Chairman LG Nongsiej and Council’s Secretary to the executive committee.

The decision of the regional political parties also came ahead of the Summer Session of the KHADC which will begin on Tuesday for passing the full budget of the Council.

With this new political development, the PDF led by Syiem which was initially having a total strength of 22 MDCs is now left with the support of 1 BJP, 1 NCP and 9 independents, who according to sources are also likely to withdraw support.

Though the UDP is presently having 5 MDCs but those who have signed the letter for withdrawing of support were only 3 which include PP leader Teinwell Dkhar, Donkupar Sumer and Equator L Nongrang.

Similar is the case with the KHNAM in which out of 2 MDCs only Adelbert Nongrum, who is also the party’s working president have decided to quit the PDF.

The HSPDP however witnessed unity among its members in which all the three MDCs of the party – Teilinia Thangkhiew, Samlin Malngiang and Blanding Warjri – signed the letter.

Annoucing the decision, UDP parliamentary party leader Teinwell Dkhar said, “We have decided to withdraw support after the CEM has blackmail our support by misusing the Forum to pave way for the formation of a new political party.”

“We as a political party, supporting the ruling PDF (forum) fear that this sudden decision to convert the Forum into a Front (political party) will further divide us as it did to the KHNAM which now is being left with only 1 MDC,” he said.

Echoing similar views, UDP MDC Donkupar Sumer said that the regional parties, which are coalition partners of the Forum, were never consulted about the decision to convert the forum into a political front.

“Moreover, the incumbent CEM has also started interfering into the constituencies of the coalition partners by proposing to set up candidates (for upcoming 2018 state elections),” he said.

According to him, the people of the state do not want a new regional party as this will only give advantage to the national political parties.

Asked what made them withdraw the support now when they have earlier gone against party decision, Dkhar said that is an internal matter of the party but now the CEC in a meeting held recently has given them full power to take a call.

He however said all party MDCs have agreed to this decision except for two which include MDC from Nongkrem HS Shylla, who has recently indicated of quitting the UDP, and Umroi MDC Albinus Lyngdoh, who is still in the Executive Committee.

Expressing similar concern, HSPDP MDC Samlin Malngiang said, “The CEM is seen to divert his focus to other issues in which he was busy in touring to many places and due to this we are unable to meet him despite the urgency of the matter.”

All have expressed a common concern that the objective of forming the PDF to address the issues concerning the indigenous community has been defeated.

On the other hand, KHNAM MDC and working president Adelbert Nongrum lambasted the CEM for turning down the demand of the party for amending Section 128 of the AD Rules, which allows people from other community to participate in the election process of the tribal district council.

He also pointed out that the KHNAM had decided to support the PDF based on the issues relating to headmen and problem due to encroachment by the MUDA taken up by Syiem.

“But he (Syiem) has failed as we see people are continuing to suffer with these issues lying unresolved till date which is because he is busy strengthening his new political party,” Nongrum added.

Meanwhile, the leaders of the regional political parties said that they have decided to sit in the opposition bench, which presently comprises of 6 Congress MDCs, one UDP MDC Rona Khymdeit and Independent MDC Pyniaid Sing Syiem.

Asked, UDP PP leader claimed that the Syiem led Executive Committee has lost majority and it is only rightful for him (Syiem) to take moral responsibility by immediately stepping down as the chief executive member.

“If he refuses to step down, we will move a no-confidence against him,” Dkhar said.

Further, the regional political parties however said that they are not keen to work with the Congress in order to form the new EC in the KHADC.

“We want a non-Congress and non-BJP EC in the Council,” Sumer said while informing that they would soon sit to chalk out their strategy to facilitate the formation of a new executive committee.