Cong MLAs to Meet Today to Elect Sangma as Next Meghalaya CM
Congress MLAs are likely to meet in Shillong to elect Mukul M Sangma as their new leader in place of outgoing Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang, reported IANS quoting party leaders.
“I am coming to Shillong today and have convened a CLP (Congress legislature party) meeting to elect a new leader,” Lapang was quoted as saying.
“I will officially submit my resignation to the governor (Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary) to pave way for the formation of the new government,” he was quoted as saying.
Last evening, he had accepted that he lost the support of the majority of 28 Congress MLAs to Sangma.
In the meanwhile, IANS quoted Sangma as saying, “All legislators have pledged their unconditional support to me, to ensure coherence and unity in the CLP.”
He is expected to take oath as chief minister on Tuesday morning.
For overseeing today’s meeting, Oscar Fernandes and Meghalaya unit in-charge Luizinho Faleiro have been deputed by the Congress as two central observers, said report.
Following the meeting, the Congress legislators will brief coalition partners, which include the United Democratic Party (UDP), Hill State People’s Democratic Party, Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and four independent members, report said.
The UDP, the second biggest constituent of the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA), has already extended its continued support to the alliance under the new chief minister.
“The leadership issue in the Congress is not our concern. We have made our commitment to the Congress. Therefore, we will continue our support till the end of the term,” UDP chief and former chief minister Donkupar Roy said.
In the meanwhile, the main opposition NCP expressed its happiness over resolution of internal bickering in the ruling party, said report.
“We are happy that they resolved it and hope that the new leadership will ensure political stability in the state,” opposition leader Conrad K Sangma was quoted as saying.
Congress rebels had demanded Lapang’s removal on charges that Meghalaya had not made any progress under his leadership.
