No change in leadership in Meghalaya: Congress
By IANSMonday, January 17, 2011
SHILLONG - Ruling out a change of leadership in Meghalaya, the Congress Monday asked its legislators to perform rather than demand the removal of party leader Mukul Sangma as chief minister.
A Congress minister in the Sangma cabinet admitted that dissidence against the chief minister was brewing among party legislators.
They (dissidents) are not happy with the style and functioning of Mukul (Sangma). He comes to office very late and takes unilateral decisions on several projects without consulting others, the minister told IANS, on condition of anonymity.
The dissidents were projecting Sangmas predecessor D.D. Lapang as their new leader in the legislature.
Congress general secretary in-charge of Meghalaya Luizinho Faleiro denied the rebellion.
Where are the dissidents? I dont think they (Congress legislators) have any more time to change the leader (ahead of the next polls in 2013). Instead, they should start performing or else they will perish in the assembly elections, Faleiro told IANS.
The former Goa chief minister-turned-Congress general secretary is scheduled to visit Shillong, the state capital of Meghalaya, this weekend to oversee the implementation of the United Progressive Alliance government’s flagship schemes.
Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee chief Friday Lyngdoh had warned disciplinary action against legislators going against the party.
Some people have personal interests. Even God cannot satisfy these people, Lyngdoh said, adding: Mukul will complete the remaining term and the question of change of leadership does not arise.
Political instability appears to have become a permanent feature in Meghalaya, which has seen four governments since the March 2008 election.
Meghalaya has seen nine governments with varied combinations, resulting in eight chief ministers, between 1998 and 2009. Since Meghalaya attained statehood in 1972, only two chief ministers have completed their five-year terms.
In the 60-member legislature, the Congress has 28 legislators and is supported by 16 others. The main opposition Nationalist Congress Party has 15 members.
