Raphael Warjri

UDP leader and Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh expressed strong criticism against the Voice of the People Party (VPP) over its conduct during the ongoing summer session of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), stating that elected members must display competence and responsibility from the outset.

Lyngdoh remarked that the Council already has a capable Leader of Opposition in Titos Chyne, who would be better suited to address related concerns. However, he asserted that once an individual is elected, they can no longer justify any shortcomings by claiming inexperience. According to him, it is unacceptable for public representatives to state that they are still in the process of learning.

He further emphasized that elected Members of District Council (MDCs) are expected to be familiar with the relevant rules, laws, and acts governing the functioning of the Council.

When asked whether his remarks were related to recent controversies, the UDP leader pointed to the court’s ruling on the termination of employees by the KHADC as one such instance. He also raised concerns over the setting up of a toll gate on a National Highway, questioning how any other agency could be permitted to collect toll from a road in which it had made no investment.

Paul Lyngdoh also criticized the VPP’s method of selecting candidates, stating that choosing representatives without proper assessment of their qualifications undermines the credibility of the Council.