By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 19: Amidst the demand for a change in the Congress leadership in Meghalaya, the party claimed that Pynshngain N. Syiem is the only leader who wants MPCC president Vincent H. Pala out.
Congress sources on Sunday said Syiem is demanding Pala’s removal from the top post in the party’s state unit.
The two leaders have reportedly not been in good terms since the elections to the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council. The selection of candidates allegedly created a rift between them.
The sources said that Syiem has been targeting Pala after Congress was left without any MLA in the 60-member House. The MLAs had crossed over to the National People’s Party.
Asked about the AICC’s move for a change of guard, the sources stated that the party’s central leadership has delegated more powers to the state units, allowing them to make their own decisions.
They, however, said the party does not have many options at the moment if it wants to remove Pala.
“Saleng Sangma, a new entrant, cannot become the party president. Deborah Marak does not want to take up the role,” one of the sources said, adding that this is not the right time for the party to change the president in Meghalaya.
They doubted Syiem’s eligibility as he rejoined the party after leaving it.
Referring to Gaurav Gogoi, the sources stated that he became the president of Assam Congress, as he has been with the party all along.
Insisting that the Meghalaya Congress has no alternative, they said Pala has been trying to rebuild the party from the block level.
