By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: With NCP general secretary Purno A Sangma’s resignation from the party on Wednesday, questions are being raised on the future of party in Meghalaya.
Opposition Leader in the State Assembly, Conrad K Sangma, however justified Sangma’s resignation, saying that the decision was taken for the cause of the tribal people and also for the nation as a whole.
“The decision to resign was at the individual level. Every member has the right to take such decisions. We fully respect his decision even though it is a tremendous loss for the party since we now have one MLA less in the State Assembly,” Conrad said.
He also informed that Purno has already faxed his resignation as an MLA to Assembly Speaker Charles Pyngrope.
When asked if this decision would have any repercussion in the State, Conrad replied in the negative.
“We would continue to remain as NCP members,” he added.
On the fate of Agatha Sangma in the UPA Cabinet, Conrad said she would continue to remain in the Cabinet since she represents the party in the Union Cabinet as an MP from the North East.
“It is not proper to link family relationship with Purno’s decision to resign from the NCP. These are two separate issues,” Conrad said. NCP spokesperson James K Sangma, however, informed that the State party leadership will decide on the future course of action.
Meanwhile, with Purno’s resignation as MLA, the Tura Assembly seat has fallen vacant.
Sources informed that as per the Constitution, it is not mandatory to hold bye-election to the Tura Assembly seat as there is a provision that if the House has a term less than one year, the Election Commission can keep the seat vacant and wait till the Assembly elections are held.
