Shillong: The Executive Committee (EC) of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has formally sought clarification from retired IAS officer Wilfred Khyllep following reports of his appointment as a special invitee to the state BJP.
IAS Khyllep currently holds the position of Chairman of the KHADC Recruitment Committee (RC), an appointment made by the VPP-led EC. The EC is now questioning whether his reported association with the BJP violates the Council’s requirement for political neutrality in such roles.
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No Official Confirmation Yet from Khyllep
Sources within the Council revealed that Chief Executive Member (CEM) Shemborlang Rynjah spoke directly to Khyllep after media reports surfaced regarding the BJP’s new appointees. Khyllep reportedly told the CEM that he had not received any official communication from the BJP about his nomination as a special invitee.
However, the EC is maintaining a cautious stance. VPP insiders confirmed that if Khyllep’s association with the BJP is officially verified, the Council will be compelled to remove him from the Recruitment Committee to uphold the apolitical nature of the post.
BJP Announces Expanded State Team
The situation follows the recent announcement by state BJP president Rikman G Momin, who expanded the party’s Meghalaya leadership team. The reshuffle included:
- 52 state executive members
- 12 special invitees
- 4 permanent invitees
- Among the newly named special invitees, apart from Wilfred Khyllep, are:
- Former legislator Winnerson Sangma
Former state BJP presidents: Khlursing Lyngdoh, HS Syiemlieh, Dr W Kharshiing, and Moina Singh Phyllut
Retired MCS officer LM Sangma
Academics and professionals such as Dr Fenela Nonglait, Dr Rita Tariang, Wandonbok Jyrwa, Banteilang Sing Rumnong, and Dr Praksing Nongrum
The inclusion of retired bureaucrats and non-political figures in the BJP’s list has sparked internal discussions in various institutions over potential conflicts of interest.
KHADC’s Position: Political Neutrality Essential
The EC reiterated its stand that positions within the KHADC, especially those like Recruitment Committee Chairman, must be free from political influence. The final decision on Khyllep’s role will depend on the outcome of the clarification process and any formal confirmation from the BJP.
