Conrad-led EC likely next week

Purno Sangma scotches rumours of Independents leaving GHPA

SHILLONG: The process of the formation of the new Executive Committee of GHADC headed by the newly elected leader of Garo Hills Progressive Alliance (GHPA) Conrad Sangma is likely to be completed next week. While the oath taking ceremony of the 29 newlyelected members will be held on Monday, the election of the Chairman has been fixed for October 21 by the Government, a government official said. After the election of Chairman, the next process will be the official election of the CEM in the House. The 10 MDCs of NPP with the support of 3 GNC members, a lone BJP MDC and three Independents had unanimously elected Conrad as the leader of the alliance on Friday. Though Conrad has been chosen as the leader of GHPA, his name will have to be approved by the Governor as a nominated MDC. Meanwhile, NPP leader PA Sangma has denied reports that three Independents Mark Goera Marak from Batabari, Devier Sangma from Gasuapara and Kurosh Marak from Barengapara who had pledged support to the GHPA alliance withdrew from the coalition. . “We are all intact. Everything is alright and there is no truth in such reports”, Sangma said over phone from Tura. Sources said that NPP was in fact following the pattern of state legislature and Parliament since a person who is not elected by adult franchise is chosen first as the leader of the ruling coalition. While any person will have to contest elections within six months in case of state legislature and Parliament, in the case of Conrad Sangma , he can continue as CEM since he will be a nominated MDC. This is perhaps for the first time that a nominated MDC is all set to head the Council. NPP leader PA Sangma said that the time period of six months is also applicable in the case of district councils. The option before the new CEM now is either to be a nominated member or get elected from a vacant seat within six months, Sangma added.