Talks on to induct sitting MLAs: Conrad

SHILLONG: The National People’s Party (NPP) has indicated that many sitting legislators have expressed their desire to join the party and talks are on to finalise their induction.
Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, NPP national president Conrad Sangma said that when people demand change, leaders are bound to react. He further welcomed the decision of the leaders, whom he declined to name, to desert their parties and join NPP soon.
Sangma also slammed the style of functioning of the Congress in the State. “It’s a one-man show where the chief minister forms policies without taking anyone into consideration,” Conrad said adding that the current government is dictatorial.
When asked as to why NPP would take in its fold the leaders it once criticised, Conrad said those joining the party will be given a chance to work unlike in the incumbent government. Replying to a query on pre-poll alliance for the upcoming elections in the State, Sangma said the party is working on it even as he admitted that it is a “complicated process”.
Meanwhile, the NPP got a boost on Tuesday when 20 people including two former MLAs, Snomik Kalwing (former Congress MLA) and Rev G Lyngdoh, joined the party in an official function.
NPP bats for 6th
Schedule amendment
Meanwhile, Conrad Sangma also pitched for bringing amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the constitution saying it would benefit tribals and scheduled areas. Sangma said the Home Ministry is preparing a draft and the Cabinet will soon take a call after which it will be tabled in Parliament and that is the time when they will have a first look at the amendments.
The MP said the amendments may be referred to a select committee for discussion on the pros and cons.
“We need to move for an amendment since it is necessary,” he said and added that concerns over the proposed amendment should be looked into by stakeholders.
It is expected that the proposal for amendment to the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution is likely to be introduced in Parliament during the monsoon session in August.