TURA: Two executive members (EM) in the NPP led GHADC executive committee (EC), who allegedly moved to the opposition Congress camp and attempted to topple the Dipul Marak-led EC, have been shown the door and replaced with fresh faces following a notice from the Governor’s office this week.
Governor, on the advice of the CEM, issued a notification removing the two MDCs — Rightious N Sangma and Jogonsing D Sangma — from the position of executive members. Rightious was the executive member in-charge of Taxation while Jogonsing was the EM for Haats (village markets). Both had already been stripped of their portfolios by the CEM, last month.
In their place, the NPP-led EC in GHADC has selected South Garo Hills MDC, Devier M Sangma and North Garo Hills MDC from Kharkutta, Smith Momin as the new executive members. Devier Sangma is the younger brother of Baghmara MLA, Samuel M Sangma.
Interestingly, Rightious Sangma (Independent), who represents Babelapara MDC constituency in Gambegre, had joined the BJP alongside half-a-dozen other MDCs in December, 2019.
Jogonsing D Sangma, representing Bolsong Constituency of Bajengdoba was elected on a Congress ticket but had switched sides landing him with a portfolio.
The council had witnessed political turmoil for several months as members switched allegiances from one party to another in an attempt to hold the reins of power in the Council.
Things went to such a pass that MDCs from both the BJP and the Congress joined hands in a final unsuccessful bid to unseat the Dipul Marak EC, a few months back.
The toppling game changed over-night after one of the rebel MDCs and former CEM, Boston Marak, who was part of the opposition camp, jumped ship and crossed over to the ruling NPP-led side.