PN Syiem
(From left) Chief advisor to Meghalaya Government DD Lapang; ex-PDF member Alvin K. Sawkmie; Meghalaya CM Conrad K. Sangma and ex-PDF chairman PN Syiem during the joining function at Mawsynram on Saturday. Image - Twitter

PN Syiem, who recently quit as the chairman of the People’s Democratic Forum (PDF), formally joined the National People’s Party (NPP) on Saturday at Mawsynram in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills.

PN Syiem, who also served as the Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), joined the NPP along with other leaders of the PDF including Alvin K. Sawkmie.

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Also read: Meghalaya: PN Syiem quits People’s Democratic Front

The joining ceremony was attended by NPP national president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma along with DD Lapang, chief advisor to Meghalaya Government and former Meghalaya CM, who recently joined the NPP.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has welcomed former PDF leaders PN Syiem, Alvin K. Sawkmie and others to the NPP and termed it a historic day for his party.

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Uploading a few images of the joining programme on his Twitter handle on Saturday, Conrad K Sangma stated:  “Historic Day for NPP as we welcome founder of People’s Democratic Party (PDF) PN Syiem and other leaders of PDF at a public function in Mawsynram.”

“I have campaigned in Mawsynram constituency for many times, PN Syiem and me where in opposite sides fighting elections democratically giving our vision to the people. Today we are in the same side with our teams together and stronger to raise the voice and concerns of the people together,” said the Meghalaya CM.

Recognising Alvin K. Sawkmie as a “young and dynamic leader”, Conrad Sangma announced that the former would contest the upcoming district council poll on NPP ticket.

The NPP national president tweeted: “We also welcome Alvin K. Sawkmie, a young and dynamic leader to NPP who will contest the upcoming District Council election.”

Making a scatting attack on Congress and its leader Dr. Mukul Sangma, NPP chief said, “There is dissatisfaction in the Congress party because of the dictatorial style of functioning by its leader. They had even sidelined Dr. DD Lapang, who has served the Congress party for over 50 years.”

Pynshngain N Syiem was elected as the new CEM of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in the first half of May in 2018.

A view of the joining ceremony at Mawsynram on Saturday. Image – Northeast Now
A view of the joining ceremony at Mawsynram on Saturday. Image – Northeast Now

Syiem was also a Congress MLA from Mawsynram constituency but he was suspended by the party.C

Conrad blamed Dr. Mukul for his irresponsible style of functioning by sanctioning different projects without even thinking from where the funds to execute the project would come. “He kept announcing projects after projects and laid foundation stones but there was no planning of how these would be executed and completed,” Conrad Sangma added.

Syiem said NPP is the only party that can fulfill the aspirations of the people of Northeast and under the leadership of Conrad K. Sangma he foresee a future for Meghalaya.

“You may ask me a question why I joined NPP sir (Conrad K. Sangma). I believe that under your dynamic leadership the state will prosper. People of Northeast have to come together and strengthen itself and if this has to happen we have to have faith in NPP,” Syiem said.

Speaking on the occasion former Chief Minister and NPP leader Dr. DD Lapang said, “Humility and sincerity of Conrad K. Sangma who inspite of studying abroad and holding several degrees is so much concern for the people and his leadership qualities has attracted leaders like me and PN Syiem and others to join NPP.”