SHILLONG, MAR 7: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Thursday got its new Chief Executive Member (CEM) and new Chairman who were elected unopposed during the elections held here on Thursday.
United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and four-time member from Shella Teinwell Dkhar was elected as CEM while Mawkhar-Pynthorumkrah member Pynshngain N Syiem of the National People’s Party (NPP) was also elected as Chairman of the Council.
Both were declared elected unopposed after the opposition Congress decided not to contest the elections for the two coveted posts.
Teinwell and Pynshngain are leaders of the United Democratic Alliance which is comprises of 19 MDCs from the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA) led by UDP and People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) led by NPP.
Felicitating the two leaders, members from both the ruling and opposition side expressed confidence on the leadership of the new CEM while urging the newly elected chairman of the House to be neutral.
Giving his maiden speech, Teinwell Dkhar assured the members of the House to lead the new executive committee without ‘fear’.
“Though “Tein” in Jaintia language means “fear” but I assured you that I would lead the Council without any fear,” he said.
Stating that as human no one is perfect, Teinwell said, “I urged you (members) to point out my shortcomings, I am open to suggestions but they should be constructive otherwise I will not accept (your suggestions).”
Taking a jibe at his party’s decision, the opposition Congress has expressed doubt that the UDP-led United Democratic Alliance executive committee will last till the end of its term citing because it has leaders with “expiry date”.
The UDP had decided to make the CEM’s post on rotation basis among its leaders in the KHADC by announcing that Teinwell will hold the post only for one year.
Earlier while congratulating the newly elected CEM, Congress leader and Mylliem MDC Ronnie V Lyngdoh said, “Sometimes loyalty doesn’t pay as they give you (Teinwell) only one year (to serve as CEM). But we hope that your party will reconsider its decision by giving more importance to performances.”
Defending his party’s decision, Teinwell however cited an example of a singing competition where one of the judges suggested that five minutes is enough to recognise the talent of the participants and said, “Similarly you don’t need 3 years to prove your capability to lead.”
Urging the members not to judge his ability from that aspect, the newly elected KHADC chief said, “I need the support and cooperation of all the members to work for the interest of the Council.”
Asserting the importance of making the Council strong, he said, “I will try my level best to streamline the Council from within so that when we go out and fight, we have to ensure that we win.”
UDP member from Jaiaw Paul Lyngdoh expressed confidence that under the leadership of Teinwell, the Council can overcome the many challenges ahead with full responsibility.
Taking part in the ceremony, PDA chairman and Independent MDC from Nongkrem Lambor Malngiang lauded the people of Shella constituency for electing good leaders like Donkupar Roy, who is presently the Assembly Speaker and Teinwell who is all set to lead the Council.
“There are many Bills passed by the previous executive committee and we hope that Teinwell and his team will follow up on these important Bills with the state government,” Malngiang said.
Earlier while felicitating the new KHADC chairman, Paul Lyngdoh urged Syiem with his wealth of experience further uplift the honour and dignity of the House, which will be an example for the other district councils in the state and North East region.
He reminded that the role of the chairman is similar to that of a referee who has to be neutral.
Paul also admired Syiem’s fighting spirit despite of having lost in two elections last year and said, “You have not given up your fighting spirit and this is something which we all should learn from you.”
Syiem quit the People’s Democratic Front (PDF), which he floated before the 2018 Assembly polls after resigning from the Congress party and joined the National People’s Party (NPP).
By Our Reporter
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