SHILLONG, Aug 20: Reeling under a massive setback following the defection of three of its MLAs – two of whom had been suspended earlier – to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), the Meghalaya Congress has accused the ruling party of luring the trio with promises of “money, power and position”.
Following the defection, the grand old party has been reduced to one seat in the Assembly, the sole representative being Leader of Opposition, Ronnie V Lyngdoh.
The NPP now enjoys majority on its own, with its strength at 31, while the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance boasts of a combined strength of 49 MLAs, including 12 from UDP, two each from BJP and HSPDP, and two Independents.
“The three MLAs who deserted the party were lured by money, power, and position. I am not surprised. It is happening everywhere,” Pala said.
He said the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has been updated on the latest political development in the state.
MPCC working president, Deborah C Marak termed Monday’s development as a simple case of poaching by NPP.
Marak said NPP has “money power” and the defection of the three MLAs is a classic example of poaching by the ruling. She recalled that the former Congress legislators had admitted that they have been promised massive development projects in their constituencies.
Asked if this setback will have an adverse impact on the Congress in the upcoming Gambegre bye-election, Marak said the NPP wants to destroy Congress in Gambegre but the voters are smart and they know who is doing what.
“This episode will not tarnish the position and image of the Congress party in Gambegre,” Marak said.
Despite suffering a major jolt, the Congress is optimistic that there will be no impact on the support base of the party.
“Voters will decide the outcome of the next election and just because leaders have shifted their allegiance, it does not mean that the voters have done the same. The voters’ mindset was reflected in the recent Lok Sabha election in Tura,” Marak said.
She admitted that the Congress should focus on organising the party at the grassroots rather than concentrating on those leaders who are no longer with the party.
The party has called a meeting on Thursday to discuss the recent political development and to plan the way forward.
