Party struggles to emerge as the single largest in 2018
SHILLONG: From 30 legislators in the House of 60, the Congress party, plagued by disunity, is struggling to emerge as the single largest party in the 2018 polls.
During the news conference on Monday, media persons asked MPCC president DD Lapang about the probable setback to the party following the suspension of Congress leader PN Syiem and the resignation of five Congress MDCs.
Lapang said though the party currently has 30 members, it can emerge as the single largest party in the 2018 polls.
However, there is speculation that some of the Congress legislators will not contest from the party in the 2018 Assembly polls due to their dislike of the style and functioning of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.
Dropping of AL Hek and Rowell Lyngdoh from the ministry without addressing the core issue of demand for change in leadership had irked many party members.
The central BJP minister, JP Nadda, during his visit to the city last month had said the party was keen to take back Hek.
The emergence of BJP, the revival mode of regional parties and the non-Congress coalition of NEDA can pose threat to the Congress, which will have to fight heavy anti-incumbency in the run-up to the polls.
Political observers have pointed out that there will be more support to rebel leader Syiem in the days to come as he had only criticised the wrong policies of the State government, especially the hurriedly brought amended dual posts Act that resulted in the resignation of the MDCs and bye-election to seven council seats.
According to observers, while the option before Syiem is to form a new political party, end of 2017 may witness several changes with many Congress legislators deserting the party in search of greener pastures.
