UDA MDCs Meet Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, seek KHADC session

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Members of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) -- a coalition of Members of District Councils (MDCs) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) -- met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday morning. The UDA comprises the United Democratic Party (UDP), the National People’s Party (NPP) and Independent MDCs.

Speaking to media persons after meeting, former Chief Executive Member (CEM) and UDP MDC, Teinwell Dkhar said that since the coalition is now in the majority the Governor should call them to form the Executive Committee (EC) in the KHADC.

“We met the Chief Minister to urge him to impress upon the Governor of the State to summon a sitting of the House so that we can prove our majority,” Dkhar added.

According to him, the UDA is absolutely sure that they are in the majority.

In December 2019, two MDCs – Batskhem Ryntathiang and Grace Mary Kharpuri -- had withdrawn their support to the United Democratic Front (UDF) alliance led by Latiplang Kharkongor and switched their allegiance to the UDA.

In the House of 30 members, the number of the UDA has now increased to 16. The present strength of the House is 29 after the demise of UDP MDC from Langrin, Nasar Marwein.

Another UDP MDC, Titosstarwell Chyne said that apart from the formation of the EC in the KHADC, they also discussed with Chief Minister the Resolution passed by the Meghalaya Assembly to urge the Centre to implement Inner Line Permit (ILP) in Meghalaya.

“During our discussion, the Chief Minister said that his Government was serious on the issue of ILP, adding that they would soon visit Delhi to take up the matter with the Centre,” Chyne said.

He added that the MDCs also conveyed the message to the Chief Minister that the Centre cannot do away with the Sixth Schedule status of Meghalaya if it implements ILP in the State.

When specifically asked on the comment made by Congress MP from Shillong, Vincent H Pala that if the Centre decides to implement ILP in Meghalaya it might do away with the Sixth Schedule, Chyne said that these statements were made to “confuse” the people.

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