SHILLONG, March 4: The gripping suspense over two HSPDP MLAs — Shakliar Warjri and Methodius Dkhar — is lifted, albeit partially. The duo seems to have come around after intense public pressure to return to UDP fold.
According to president of HSPDP, KP Pangniang, they have set some seemingly tough pre-conditions for supporting non-NPP alliance.
Talking to reporters here on Saturday, he disclosed that the two MLAs wanted clarity on who will be the chief minister and also on composition of the cabinet ministers representing different parties.
According to him, they also wanted that the alliance should manage to get a letter of support of at least 30 MLAs to stake claim for formation of the government.
“Both of them have agreed to sign the letter of support provided 30 MLAs sign it.” Pangniang informed that he had managed to have telephonic conversation with them on Friday night.
Meanwhile, he said that he already met with UDP president, Metbah Lyngdoh to inform on the pre-conditions of the two MLAs.
“As party president, it is my assurance that the two MLAs will come out to support if the non-NPP alliance meets these conditions,” he said.
Pangniang also said that the party will be more than happy if there is Khasi Chief Minister from the UDP to lead the Government.
“We would also want one Cabinet berth is reserved for the party,” he said.
HSPDP president also made it clear that the party will be part of any government since they have already highlighted during their election campaigns.
“We are going to be part with the NPP-led Government if the move to install an alternative government sans NPP and BJP fails to materialise,” Pangniang said.
Meanwhile, he said that he is disappointed with the decision of the two party MLAs for rushing to support the NPP when the discussion with the non-NPP alliance was going on.
