Meghalaya NCP leader quits party

Former minister and senior party leader P. M. Syiem has resigned from the NCP protesting against “lack of democracy” in the party.

Mr. Mr. Syiem, also the East Khasi Hills NCP district unit president, tendered his resignation to party leader and Opposition leader Conrad Sangma yesterday.

He resigned from the post protesting against the manner in which recent elections were held where the state president of the party, WR Kharlukhi was re-elected, party sources said today.

Mr. Syiem and his supporters walked out of the meeting called to elect the party president on February 16.

Although top NCP leaders claim that Kharlukhi was elected unopposed and that there were no contestants for the top post held on February 16, several members were unhappy with the manner in which the election was conducted.

Mr. Syiem claims that he and his supporters walked out of the meeting during the election as it appeared that they were invited only to felicitate the president.

“No other member was allowed to file their nominations. Party leader P. A. Sangma was adamant that the selection of Kharlukhi should be upheld,” Mr. Syiem said alleging lack of transparency and a democratic way of holding party elections.