By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Unlike the past, the year 2012 was free from toppling games as there was no visible move either by the Congress dissidents or the coalition partners to change the Mukul Sangma-led present Government.
The result was that Dr Sangma, with the blessings of the High Command and constant check on any dissident activities, has emerged as a strong leader despite the allegations against him of taking major decisions alone as raised by his colleagues including coalition partners.
Dr Sangma’s rival and former Chief Minister DD Lapang was given the presidentship of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee by the High Command to ensure that he and the Chief Minister work together till the end of the term.
The appointment was also aimed at checking any dissident activities on the part of Lapang.
The former MPCC president Friday Lyngdoh and UDP leader JD Rymbai have retired from active politics this year. The loss of former Chief Minister FA Khonglam, former Deputy Chief Minister JD Pohrmen and NCP legislator Mason Sing Sangma this year was felt in the political circles.
The MUA coalition which worked without any common minimum programmes announced a slew of policies and programmes aimed at appeasing people.
The Health Insurance Scheme for all was also aimed at projecting the Government as pro-people.
While the Congress consolidated its positions by announcing the formation of four new districts, the Opposition and UDP, critical of the approach of the Government, however, failed to expose the Government for the worsening law and order situation in Garo Hills due to the spurt in the activities of various militant groups.
Despite the wish of many UDP leaders to come out of the Congress-led coalition Government aimed at securing more seats in the upcoming elections, the Donkupar Roy-led UDP wanted to cling on to the MUA coalition by saying that they were waiting for an opportune moment to pull out of the Government, which is yet to arrive for them.
Though there was no demand for change of leadership in 2012, there is resentment among many Congress legislators over the possible denial of party tickets to contest the upcoming Assembly elections.
The UDP, the second largest coalition partner in the MUA, is also not free from dissidence.
While UDP legislator Ardent Basaiwmoit was suspended for questioning the decision of fielding a non tribal candidate in West Garo Hills, the party is yet to act against veteran UDP leader SD Khongwir for his open support to the rival Congress candidate in Mawlai, FS Cajee instead of Embhah Syiemlieh of the UDP.
The year also saw unsuccessful bid of former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma to win the Presidential polls in July. He also resigned from Tura Assembly seat for this.
Unhappy over lack of support of NCP during the presidential elections, Sangma left the party and formed National People’s Party (NPP).
He also effected the merger of State NCP with NPP on August 24 this year, but it was challenged by NCP legislator and deputy Chief Minister Sanbor Shullai. The Speaker is yet to take a decision on the complaint lodged against as many as 11 defected legislators.
Two union ministers of state from Meghalaya, Agatha Sangma (NCP) and Vincent Pala were also dropped from the cabinet during the year.
While Agatha was dropped due to her father’s rebellion against NCP leadership, the AICC wanted Pala to concentrate on the State in the run up to the Assembly elections.