New Delhi, June 6: Attempts to “reform” the debt-ridden Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) is snowballing into a major political controversy which might even threaten the longevity of NPP-led MDA Government, now with sharp divisions arising within the coalition.
The main opposition is coming from the major coalition partner — the UDP whose leaders, including ministers, have openly criticised the reform move.
The main coalition partner sees the move as ‘privatisation’ of MeECL.
Besides the UDP, there are also serious differences within the ruling NPP with several ministers and MLAs not remaining on the same page on this issue. Many have voiced their concern saying that the Sangma brothers (Conrad and James) are putting their family interests above that of the State and people.
It is believed that as many as seven legislators cutting across party lines within the coalition are even willing to ‘exit’ if James is not removed from the Power Department. But Conrad is not ready to sacrifice James twice over after having once removed him from the all-important Home portfolio earlier.
And now the rape allegation against Thomas Sangma, advisor to the MDA Government and blood relative of the Sangma family, has only added more fuel to the fire at this juncture and deepened the crisis within the Government.
In all of this the deafening silence of the otherwise loquacious Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong has also raised eyebrows.
Even Assembly Speaker and UDP President, Metbah Lyngdoh had said that the Government should consider the best interests of the state and the people while working towards reforms in MeECL, including the proposed plan on power distribution franchisees. Lyngdoh also added that the Government could have considered other alternatives for reforms in MeECL.
However, a senior cabinet minister who did not wish to be quoted said, “If the UDP has better alternatives than outsourcing the power distribution to a Distribution Franchisee at this point, then why don’t they come up with those suggestions? Why discuss the matter outside the Government and even politicising it? That’s not how coalitions work.”
It is learnt that a meeting will be held again this week, where the Chief Minister and the Cabinet will brainstorm in the next four to five days and explore all options for reforms in the MeECL.
The problem with the MDA is that the UDP and the other detractors are not opposing the MeECL proposals in the Cabinet but doing the same outside, much to the discomfort of the Chief Minister.
