Cong leaders look at Sept date to quit party

SHILLONG: Many Congress members, including ministers and MLAs, have set September target to leave the party.
A source in the Congress said on Sunday since the last Assembly session will be held in September before the State goes to polls in 2018, many MLAs will announce their exit from the party after the session.
There are already rumours about Congress ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar and his brother and MLA Ngaitlang Dhar leaving the party and joining NPP though they had denied this by stating that they are still with the Congress.
Sources said in East and West Jaintia Hills, except Deputy Chief Minister R.C Laloo, other legislators will contest from different political parties.
The suspended Congress legislator and KHADC CEM, P.N Syiem, has already announced that he would quit the party sometime next month.
In the past, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma had said he was aware that some members were planning to leave the party before the 2018 polls.
According to sources, the reason for the Congress MLAs to leave the party is due to the style and functioning of the chief minister and not that they dislike the Congress party.
Besides, anti-incumbency since the party has ruled  for two terms is cited as another reason for the Congress MLAs to look for other alternatives.
BJP State President Shibun Lyngdoh had said many ministers and MLAs were keen to join the party but he did not disclose the names.