Move based on reports that Gabriel Wahlang, Charles Marngar and Celestine Lyngdoh are all set to join the NPP camp
SHILLONG, Aug 16: In a significant decision on Friday, the Meghalaya Congress suspended two of its sitting MLAs – Gabriel Wahlang and Charles Marngar – after reports emerged about their move to join the ruling National People’s Party.
The action came from the Congress following reports that three party MLAs – Celestine Lyngdoh from Umsning, Gabriel Wahlang from Nongstoin and Charles Marngar from Mawhati – are looking to join NPP.
In separate letters to Gabriel Wahlang and Charles Marngar, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Wansuk Syiem said she has been directed by the competent authority to suspend them from the Indian National Congress with immediate effect for six years or until further notice due to their involvement in anti-party activities.
The letter said that this decision is based on recent reports from the Block Congress Committee and frontal organisation, which indicate their association with the MDA Government.
“Such actions are in direct conflict with the party’s ideologies and principles, necessitating this disciplinary measure,” the party said.
The party however spared Celestine Lyngdoh who was also reported to be joining NPP.
Earlier on Friday, the state Congress summoned the three MLAs but only Celestine turned up to say he is yet to make up his mind.
Celestine told party president Vincent H Pala and others that they have not yet decided to join the NPP.
He admitted that the Congress MLAs have been assured funds to develop their constituencies if they join the NPP.
Pala said the NPP only promises development but nothing happens on the ground and projects do not progress beyond the foundation stones.
Stating that the NPP-led MDA government is arrogant and corrupt, Pala said the Conrad K Sangma-led party is trying to finish off the other parties from the money earned illegally from drugs, coal mining, and manipulation of contract works.
In the meeting, Celestine was advised not to fall into the NPP’s trap. He was reminded of the 17 MLAs who left Congress before the 2023 Assembly polls only for 70% of them to lose the elections.
Pala termed the development a desperate move by the NPP and BJP to destroy a resurgent Congress ahead of the Gambegre bye-election and the MDC polls.
The Congress leadership warned the three MLAs of action if they leave the party and join the NPP. “We will not spare anyone in keeping with the action against those who deserted the party earlier,” Pala said.
The suspension letters were issued a few hours after Pala’s warning.