SHILLONG, March 3: The days of ding-dong politics are here again. And this is a déjà vu for Meghalaya, notorious for its brittle and short lasting coalition politics.
A day after the fractured mandate, hectic political activities unfolded in the capital at a racy pace on Friday.
On one hand, Conrad Sangma appeared to be on way to begin his second essay as CM, on a strength that is insufficient for comfort.
On the other hand, led by UDP, a move is on for stitching a non-NPP non-BJP coalition. This motley group’s principal convergence point is to keep the “corrupt” NPP out of power. But they do not appear to have the requisite number nor is it likely to be favoured by Raj Bhavan.
NPP, on the other hand, has legitimacy to power because of its strength of 26 and, what is more, it enjoys the blessings of Delhi. On both counts, it is advantage Conrad. But for how long, is the question that defies an immediate answer.
For the better part of the day, NPP-BJP was calling the shots. It even roped in four legislators — two from HSPDP and two Independents — by inducing their support.
By the evening the dice appeared to have turned, only a bit. HSPDP president KP Pangniang shot off a letter to Conrad saying that the two party MLAs who has joined his group, were not mandated by the party for doing so. This letter may not have much bearing on the situation now.
However, there were reports of public pressure being brought on HSPDP to keep away from NPP.
Riding on the upsurge of public assertion for “clean politics”, as is being propounded by the fledgling political party named “Voice of the People Party” (VPP), extraneous pressure “not to betray people’s trust” has been in the air.
According to informed sources, certain pressure groups, have directed the HSPDP MLAs to return to the regional parties camp or face consequences. The mounting pressure against handing over reins to NPP is palpable. Social media is replete with expressions on to this effect.
Just to recount the day’s swift developments, in the forenoon, as leader of the single largest party, Conrad Sangma, accompanied by two BJP MLAs and a solitary independent legislator, staked claim to form the government. At that time the strength of the group was 29. By late afternoon, two HSPDP MLAs, after showing their faces at the rival group meeting lead by UDP, handed over letters of support to Sangma.
In the crunching number game, NPP-BJP alliance then roped in the remaining Independent MLA taking the tally to 32.
The UDP group met twice in the day with leaders like Metbah Lyngdoh, Mukul Sangma, VPP president Ardent Basaiawmoit, Charles Pyngrope, and HSPDP chief KP Pangniang pledging to form an alternative coalition. But they seem to be handicapped by the HSPDP MLAs’ other ideas.
Regardless of whether or not duo change their minds, observers say the battle of attrition is going to be hardened by the day.
