SHILLONG: Even though the Congress does not have the numbers stacked in its favour for the lone Rajya Sabha seat election billed for this Friday, party leaders are putting up a brave front hoping to turn the table on the ruling MDA coalition.
Going by the rival strength (41-19) in the house of 60, it should be an open and shut case for the ruling side. However, there are indications that the Congress camp has stepped up its silent back channel campaign for poaching some of the MLAs of the 41-member strong ruling conglomerate. Party MLAs and other functionaries, it seems, are particularly targeting the junior partners of the NPP-led coalition.
According to informed sources, there are no signs of breach of strength in the MDA camp. In fact, MDA leaders brush aside the Congress claim calling it a pipe dream. But if you ask the Congress leaders, they seem to put up a confident look. Former chief minister Mukul Sangma also recently exuded confidence without exposing the party’s cards.
Congress Spokesperson, HM Shangpliang on Monday said all 19 opposition MLAs were intact and “there maybe a few like-minded friends who might want to join us”. Despite repeated attempts to get into the specifics, he remained guarded. Sounding more like a kite flying, he said, “They (ruling MLAs) are all welcome and let’s see who all will be joining on our side”.
Recalling that the Leader of the Opposition Mukul Sangma had already made an open invitation to the MLAs for supporting the Congress candidate, Shangpliang said, “Our door is always open for other MLAs”.
Sources said that the main plank of the opposition campaign is the NPP’s BJP-link. The Congress is trying to whip up anti-BJP feelings, citing the national party’s pro-Hindu policies. The party, it seems, is also trying to exploit the sentiments of UDP which is an important component of the MDA coalition, for being unsuccessful in pushing the case of its leader, Jemino Mawthoh to be the candidate for the seat.
The ruling group’s consensus nominee is WR Kharlukhi is pitted against Kennedy Khyriem of the Congress. Polls will be held on June 19 and the result is expected any time after 5 PM on the same day.
