SHILLONG, Jan 28: Chief Minister and NPP national president, Conrad K. Sangma on Friday made it clear that the government would not interfere in the affairs of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) even as he maintained that there are multiple aspects which have led to the need for a special session and the tabling of a no-confidence motion against Chief Executive member Benedic Marak.
“Let the democratic process follow; we maintain that we always try to stay away from interfering in the affairs of the District Councils,” Sangma said while reacting to a query on whether the opposition was attempting to creating instability in the GHADC.
The chief minister said the government had received a letter from the GHADC chairman and other members regarding the ‘resignation’ of three executive members. In addition, the government had also got a note seeking a special session for tabling a no-confidence motion against the CEM. “Based on those letters, the matter was referred to the Governor who has asked for a special session where the no-confidence motion will be tabled and the CEM will have to prove his majority,” Sangma said.
The no-confidence motion is the result of the tussle between the NPP MDCs and the CEM who are at loggerheads with each other over various issues. Matters got to head after three MDCs were ‘sacked’ (as per the CEM) or ‘resigned’ (as per the MDCs).
On January 25, Benedic had ‘removed’ Linekar K Sangma, Sengchim Sangma and independent MDC Aktar Ali in what was a dare against his own party (NPP), with whom he has had a massive fall out.
Their removal had led to widespread anger in the NPP-led camp which has been seeking the ouster of the CEM on grounds of anti-party activities.
Meanwhile, BJP MDC, Bernard Marak on Friday said party leaders and MDCs were not consulted by the NPP with regard to their no-confidence motion decision.
“BJP MDCs were neither consulted nor invited. The BJP leaders are not aware of the development and therefore we are awaiting their decision,” he said.