By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Dr Mukul Sangma, who helped steer the Congress to emerge as the single largest party in the State with a record number of seats, has been elected as the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and is all set to assume office as the Chief Minister on Tuesday for a second consecutive term.
Following Mukul’s election as the CLP leader during a meeting of the elected Congress legislators and AICC leaders here on Friday, he rushed to the Raj Bhavan and met Governor RS Mooshahary to stake his claim to form the next government in the State along with the support of two NCP legislators and eight Independents.
The swearing-in ceremony of the new Government will be held on Tuesday at the Raj Bhavan.
Earlier, in a closed door meeting, the elected party legislators and senior Congress leaders from Delhi including Union Minister Vayalar Ravi, AICC general secretary in charge Meghalaya Mukul Wasnik and AICC secretary Sanjay Bapna deliberated at length to elect the new CLP leader.
Following the meeting, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president DD Lapang, who was also a contender for the Chief Minister’s post, informed of Mukul’s election as the CLP leader, while also informing that a resolution had been signed to this effect.
The Congress’ prospect of forming the next government received a boost when the National Congress Party (NCP), which had won two seats, extended their unconditional support to the Congress.
Later, CLP leader Dr Mukul Sangma informed media persons that eight Independent candidates have also extended their unconditional support to the Congress to form the government.
In the meantime, three more Independent candidates also pledged their support to the Congress.
The eleven Independents are Brigady Marak (Bajengdoba), Ashahel D Shira (Rajabala), Rophul S Marak (Rongara Siju), Michael Sangma (Tikrikilla), Stephanson Mukhim (Amlarem), Justine Dkhar (Khliehriat), Julias K Dorphang (Mawhati), Hopeful Bamon
(Sutnga Saipung), Robinus Syngkon (Mowkaiaw), Samuel M Sangma (Baghmara) and David A Nongrum (Mawryngkneng).
Later, Dr Sangma along with MPCC working president Deborah Marak held a meeting with all the Independent candidates to chalk out strategies for the formation of the new Government in the State.
The results of the Assembly election will be notified on March 4 which will pave way for dissolution of the eighth Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and clearing the way for formation of the next government.
On Tuesday, Dr Sangma will take oath as the 26th Chief Minister of the State.
Capt. WA Sangma had taken oath as the first Chief Minister of Meghalaya on February 4, 1970.