SHILLONG: Trouble is beckoning the Congress with a few MDCs, who are currently part of the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) in the KHADC, set to join the BJP.
Sources said that with the five Congress MDCs on Friday withdrawing support to the PDF led by suspended Congress member and KHADC CEM, PN Syiem, the stage is set for other MDCs who are supporting the PDF to join the BJP.
If this materialises, there will be a BJP-led KHADC, which will be a first in the history of the Council.
Sources added that except Syiem, some others who were once part of the Congress will soon join the BJP which in the long run will add more trouble to the beleaguered Congress affecting its prospects in the 2018 Assembly polls.
Since there is no anti-defection law in the KHADC, the members of the council are free to join any political party.
However, sources pointed out that Syiem will continue to remain with the Congress since he is also a legislator and if he joins any other political party, the anti-defection law will be applicable leading to his disqualification.
If the MDCs join the BJP before the by-polls to seven vacant council seats, this will be a boost to the party candidates who are contesting the council seats.
In addition, this will also boost the BJP’s prospects in the 2018 Assembly polls.
The BJP already has a member in the GHADC after Bhupendra B. Hajong contested and won from Salmanpara in South Garo Hills in the 2015 council polls.
The MPCC action of suspending Syiem had its fallout with five MDCs resigning from the Congress and extending support to Syiem, which was never expected by the party.
