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Deathwell D. Lapang

Senior and veteran politician leader, Deathwell D. Lapang, former Chief Minister, had ruled the roost, in the Nongpoh constituency of Ri Bhoi. He was first elected to the Meghalaya State Assembly in 1972. Since then there was no turning back. However ironically, when the Ri Bhoi district came into being in June 1992, Lapang lost his seat as member of the Assembly : However subsequently he regained popularity and power, and is set to contest in the ensuing 2018 elections.

A storm is however gathering to disturt the fortune of D.D. Lapang, as his strong lieutenants within the Congress Party, have deserted him and joined the National Peoples Party (NPP), including Constantine Lyngdoh, former President of Nongpoh Block Congress Committee, being the only person to have defeated D.D. Lapang.

Nongpoh Congress leaders who have deserted the party, have however no hard feelings towards D.D. Lapang, but for the “Dictatorial attitude” of the present Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

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Assaulted for Questioning...

Here is a case for tit for tat, when an independent member of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, from the Baghmara constituency, Samuel Sangma, files a counter FIR, against a villager. The villager identified as Akang Marak, raised the question and allegation against the legislative member, that he had done nothing for the development of the constituency. The legislator instead of replying, physically assaulted the villager. According to the complain of the villager, one person who was with him, was also assaulted by the legislator. The legislator said he had gone for taking part in a festival and was pushed by a person, who was seemingly intoxicated.

It seems however that legislators are now involved in brawls and not only debate, which would certainly not be conducive, to built up an atmosphere, between the electors and the elected, in the run up to the 2018 elections.

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KHNAM shed Tears

It was an unprecedented drama, within the four walls of a legislative council, that happened in the Khasi Hills District Council, as the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement member (KHNAM), broke-down and shed tears, as his no con-fidence motion against the ruling Peoples Democratic Forum (PDF) led by, P.N. Syiem, was rejected by the Council Chairman L.G. Nongsiej, which got the support of only six opposition, belonging to the United Democratic Party (UDP), Six members of the Congress did not say yes or no. Albert Nongrum openly wept and had to be consoled by the Chief Executive Member and leader of the House, P.N. Syiem.

The no-confidence relate for non withdrawal of rule 128 allowing non-tribals in participating in the District Council elections, appointment of agents for issuing labour licence and issuing of illegal trading license.

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Is Meghalaya Congress facing an erosion?

The Meghalaya Congress, while the rains are still in sway, is facing erosion, which include stalwarts and veteran leaders, such as Rowell Lyngdoh, Prestone Tynsong, who basically are not against the principle of the party, but of the way and manner the party chief and also Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, had sidelined the trusted lieutenants of the party.

It seems that these leaders and followers, would sail in another political boat under the flagship of the National Peoples Party (NPP).

Former Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh, recalled that if the All India Congress Committee would have changed its attitude and also the party leader, since 2015-16, the party would have been united and stronger, specially before the ensuing polls, bringing in much more better results. His concluding line however, has still a shimmering hope for the Congress, that “the people still love the Congress Party, but not the leadership”.

EP Desk

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MeCL protest entered third day

The protest by the casual workers of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Ltd (MeCL) entered third day. Over1200 regular casual workers of the MeCL participated in their ongoing peaceful agitation during lunch time. The protest is seen in various parts of Meghalaya including Shillong, Umiam, Kyrdemkulai, Jowai, Khliehriat, Tura, Phulbari, Ampati, Baghmara, Garobadha, Mendipathar, Nongstoin, Mairang and Mawkyrwat. The MeECL workers are protesting against the illegal contract being framed by the management which they have refused to sign as it clashes with many labour laws regarding working conditions, wages, and benefits. 

The worker said the contract does not have provisions for PF, ESI Health Benefit, Bonus, Gratuity, Earned Leave, Overtime etc., which are mandatory in all employment contracts. 

The workers previously have written petitions to the management expressing about their grievances but till date the management continues to counter the workers through legal norms which prompt the workers to go on strike.

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PDF unveil its Symbol

The People’s Democratic Party (PDF) has finally unveiled its “Candle” symbol ahead of the 2018 Assembly elections. Earlier this month the Election Commission has released the symbol for the PDF on 3rd October while party was informed early on 9th October. 

The party has also allowed Independent candidates to use candle as their symbol in the constituencies where the party does not field candidates. The unveiling of the election symbol of the PDF was attended by the party MDCs, ticket aspirants, and members.  “With the allotment of a symbol to the PDF, our party now is complete,” said the party President Ivanlum Marbaniang during the function at the party’s office in Nongrim Hills locality. The general secretary of the party, Auspicious Lyngdoh, said the manifesto of the party is being put together and experts as well as youth are involved in the process.

Lyngdoh also informed the gathering that the candidates will be announced once the election committee is formed. As of now the party is in the process of forming the district committees and election committee whose duty is to decide on the candidates.  The party is confident to feild candidates in all the 36 seats of Khasi-Jaintia Hills and also try to influence in the Garo Hills where the region constitute of 24 seats.