Opposition within Cong reduces role of real Opp
SHILLONG: Gone are the days when the Opposition parties used to give government sleepless nights by criticizing its various policies and programmes.
Now, the trend has changed in Meghalaya. Detractors within the MUA-II Government led by Mukul Sangma are emerging with the every passing day.
The KHADC chief PN Syiem had on several occasions criticized the Congress Government especially the Chief Minister on several issues namely dual-post Bill, extension of purview of MUDA building bye-laws to rural areas, empowerment of headmen , nomination of MDCs to KHADC among others.
When contacted, the PN Syiem said that constructive criticism within the party is healthy practice in a democratic setup. “Not only this, it shows that we are alive to the issues concerning the common people”, he said.
He cited the case of recent amendment to service rules which prevented government servants from holding the post of headmen.
Before implementing the amendment, there should have been proper discussion on the matter. “We will be meeting soon to discuss the matter”, Syiem said.
“Backstabbing a Congress culture”
However, commenting on the criticism emerging within the Congress against various programmes and policies of the same Congress led government, senior UDP leader Jemino Mawthoh said that infighting within Congress is normal.
“There is a culture of backstabbing within Congress,” he said.
He said that Congress members remain together only because of their resources.
However, Congress party sources said that the so called resentment is an internal matter of the party which will be solved by the party itself.
Sources also pointed out that the Opposition is not united to take up the issues concerning the people.
Even Meghalaya People’s Forum (MPF) led Opposition is a divided house after two Independents withdrew their support to the Forum in September,2015 leaving with only 10 members, 8 UDP and 2 NPP, a senior Congress leader said
Congress sources cited that whenever sufficient time was given to the Opposition members to debate on issues concerning the people in Assembly, the participation was negligible.