SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Wednesday put the onus on Congress legislators for anti-incumbency in Meghalaya.
Downplaying the fear of anti-incumbency in the 2018 Assembly elections, Sangma said, “The government is linked to the performance of MLAs. How the MLAs facilitate the agenda of the government leading to its fructification will be the determining factor.”
Though the chief minister washed his hands of the responsibilities for the waning popularity of the Congress owing to its diabolical performance in the state, several senior party leaders, including Rowell Lyngdoh, believe that it was Sangma’s dictatorial ways that are worsening the situation.
When asked about the decision of ministers Roshan Warjri and RC Laloo to not contest the elections, Sangma said both the leaders had briefed him about their decision.
“They have told me about their personal reasons for not contesting the elections and they said they would like to groom the young ones (in the party),” he said and added that the party would have to look at its mechanism to ensure smooth transition and people electing the Congress candidates.
When asked about the rebel leaders, Sangma said, “Rebels were always there in Meghalaya since it got its statehood and because of this the state has suffered. I know all of them who are rebels.” ‘Absolute majority’
The chief minister, when asked about the 30-seat target, sounded confident about the Congress securing more than the absolute majority and said his analysis is “practical and scientific”.
Earlier too, Sangma had said the Congress would emerge victorious in the next election and form the government.
He also predicted that the BJP will score zero in the upcoming elections.
