SHILLONG: The six-party MDA coalition government led by Conrad Sangma is one step ahead of the almost single party MUA-II government led by Mukul Sangma, which ruled the state for the last five years, in free speech.
Sources said compared to Mukul, who had faced criticism for his alleged autocratic behaviour, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma is open to suggestions and has adopted an approach to carry all along.
Moreover, the nature of coalition gives scope for checks and balances, sources added.
In his meetings with the Cabinet colleagues, the minister had the scope of free expression unlike in the previous MUA-II government, sources added.
The main reason for Congress leaders like Prestone Tynsong, Comingone Ymbon and Rowell Lyngdoh, among others, to leave the party was that Mukul behaved autocratically and took major decisions alone.
Conrad also consults with his Cabinet colleagues on important issues, sources added.
Soon after assuming office as the chief minister, Conrad said he was committed to carrying all partners and Cabinet colleagues along.
Besides, the coalition politics with NPP, UDP, HSPDP, BJP, PDF and NCP combine makes the chief minister accountable compared to a single-party government.
With 29 seats after the Assembly polls in 2013, the Congress had formed the government with the support of independents.
However, all the 12 Cabinet posts went to the Congress legislators and after securing one more seat in the Chokpot by-polls, the tally of the Congress was 30, which made the two NCP members and independents supporting the government as non-entities.
According to sources, with 30 Congress members, the role of NCP and independents was insignificant and despite recurring dissatisfaction among Congress legislators, Mukul was supported by the AICC which made him to wield power as per goals set by him.
