SHILLONG, May 31: The United Democratic Party has decided to swallow the bitter pill of the NPP’s jibe and stick with the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance till the end of its term.
With pressure mounting on the UDP to take a fresh call on their ties with the Conrad Sangma-led NPP in view of the litany of allegations revolving around corruption and misgovernance against the ruling side, the party’s chief adviser, Bindo Mathew Lanong and general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh had commented that UDP continued with its support to the MDA as it does not want the government to collapse resulting in the imposition of President’s rule.
The statement evoked a sharp rebuttal from Deputy Chief Minister and NPP vice president, Prestone Tynsong who said that UDP was trying to show the NPP in a bad light as the Assembly elections are a few months away.
“Just because the election is around the corner, they are coming out with such statements. My only question to the UDP leaders is: if the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government is so damaging, why are they scared of the President’s rule, which is according to the Constitution of India?” Tynsong had said.
Replying to Tynsong’s verbal attack, Lanong on Tuesday said Tynsong’s comment exposed his lack of experience since he is yet to complete 20 years in politics. “It only shows his lack of experience in deep political intricacies, vociferously calling upon partners in the MDA government to quit for no reason,” Lanong said.
Lanong also expressed surprise that the Deputy Chief Minister was not scared of inviting President’s rule in the State, it being the provision in the Constitution of India.
“Any government in the Centre will be too pleased to impose President’s rule and even to extend its term undemocratically, as have been seen in the past, to bulldoze their various agendas at will,” Lanong said.
The UDP chief adviser said being opposed to President’s rule in the state did not mean insinuating to break away from the MDA government.
“It was a simple assertion to the various opinions expressed in many circles. Hence, be as it may, I would rather opt to be in the MDA government of Tynsong than to invite the nemesis of President’s rule,” he said.
