SHILLONG, March 6 - East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Matsiewdor War administered the oath of office to the 29 elected members of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) at the Assembly hall of the Council here today.
Among the Members of District Council (MDCs), the MDC from Sohryngkham, Pyniaid Sing Syiem, and UDP MDC from Mawlai, Teibor Pathaw, took their oaths in Khasi.
After the swearing-in ceremony, two United Democratic Party and National People�s Party MDCs filed nominations for the posts of the Chief Executive Member (CEM) and the Chairman.
From the UDP, Teinwell Dkhar filed nomination for the CEM�s post, while Pynshngain N Syiem filed his nomination papers for the Chairman�s post before the Secretary of the Council.
The Opposition Congress has decided not to contest the two posts for which elections will be held on Thursday. After filing his nomination papers, Syiem expressed the confidence of winning the two posts.
�The total strength of our alliance is 19 from the regional parties and the NPP. We will win both the posts,� Syiem said. The KHADC has a total strength of 30 MDCs.
Meanwhile, Congress Parliamentary Party spokesperson, Ronnie V Lyngdoh said that they have decided not to contest since they do not have the numbers. �We have decided to play the role of a constructive Opposition,� Lyngdoh said.
He, however, predicted that the new Council would collapse soon due to its rotation policy concerning the CEM�s post. �The CEM who is going to be elected on Thursday already has an expiry date. The new CEM has a predetermined shelf life of one year,� Lyngdoh quipped.
The senior Congress MDC questioned how can a party project three CEMs for a single term, saying the UDP is more concerned about its partymen than focusing on important development issues.
�We are sure the rotation policy of the UDP will backfire,� Lyngdoh said.
Apart from Dkhar, who is slated to hold the CEM�s post for one year based on the party�s rotational policy, the two other aspirants for the post include Paul Lyngdoh and Titosstarwell Chyne.
Dkhar, on the other hand, said he is not disappointed on the party�s rotation policy as the UDP has several leaders who can lead the Council well.
