PDF to look for “lesser devils”

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, MAR 31: The People’s Democratic Front (PDF) was formally launched here today and is eyeing on “lesser-devils” as its runners towards bringing change in Meghalaya.

The PDF is the latest addition to the list of regional political parties. With PDF coming in, there are now five regional political parties, which will compete to oust the ruling Congress.

Apart from the biggest regional party – United Democratic Party (UDP), the other includes Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP), Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM), and the Garo National Council (GNC)

Formed on March 1, the PDF however is yet to come out with a clear cut “ideology” but says fighting corruption, strengthening of traditional administration, poverty alleviation, youth welfare are on its top priority list.

Interestingly, though the leaders have denied that the party is being floated by the Congress suspended MLA/MDC Pynshngain N Syiem, but it was observed that most of them were part of Syiem’s Campaign for Change.

Addressing reporters after the official launch of the party, PDF chief Ivanlum Marbaniang said that the party has completed the process of registering with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and is now waiting for its approval.

According to him, the ECI as per guidelines will provide the list of symbols and if they are not acceptable, the party can propose its own symbol.

Marbaniang, also a former leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), informed that the decision to form a new political party was after deliberating on the various hardships faced by the people of the state.

Echoing in similar line, the party secretary Auspicious Lyngdoh Mawphlang said, “The party aims at translating the people’s aspirations into reality. If the party is elected to power, it would tap all resources to promote all round development in the state.”

Stating that the people are craving for change, he said that this is because there is lack of policies whether for farmers, youths, traditional institutions and others due to the failure of the present state government led by the Congress.

“Therefore, we also aim to bring clear cut policies which will address the various issues concerning the people of the state,” said Mawphlang, who is also a former chairman of the Campaign for Change launched by Syiem.

Reacting to a query, the secretary, however, could not define the ideology on which the party stands but only said, “Our ideology will be different from the others as the party will not compromise with the issues of the people.”

The leaders of the newly floated political party also denied that the PDF is the outcome of the present ruling coalition alliance – People Democratic Forum in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) led by Syiem.

“The formation of the party has no connection with ruling coalition alliance in the district council. This is a political party and there is just a forum,” reacted the party working president Emlang Lytan.

Claiming that the party at the moment has no sitting MLAs or MDCs associated with it, Lytan however said but the door is open for anyone who wants to join the party.

With the party all set to contest in the upcoming 2018 state elections, which just a year ahead, the working president however said, “Though it is too early to comment (on candidates) but we are looking for lesser-devils in our party.”

He further revealed that the party has been approached for ticket to contest the elections but it is however yet to take a decision on the matter adding a committee will be set up to screen the candidates applying for party ticket.

Throwing more light on this regard, Mawphlang said that the party desire to have leaders who will not compromise on the issues concerning the people of the state.

“We also produce a leader who will be the icon of the party and who has the quality and potential to bring change in the state,” he said.

The secretary informed that the party would soon form committees in the different constituencies across the state including Garo Hills region besides launching of the party’s official website.

The leaders also denied that the formation of the party would only further give oxygen to the ruling Congress.

However, they also avoided to give a direct comment on whether the party is interested to work with the BJP. Meanwhile, the PDF maintained that it would not have any problem to work with like-minded regional political parties.