NEW DELHI/ SHILLONG, Feb 13: The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has given its nod to suspend from the party the five MLAs who extended their support to the National People’s Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government by keeping the party high command in the dark.
The MLAs headed by Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, Ampareen Lyngdoh, will be asked to explain why they joined the MDA Government where BJP is an alliance partner from inside, AICC sources said.
The MPCC headed by its President Vincent H Pala had recommended for suspension which was formally approved by AICC.
“Along with the suspension, show-cause notices will be issued to them for their response as to whether they will come out of the government or remain part of it,” Pala said.
The party may not suspend the MLAs if they pull out of the coalition.
The MPCC president, who is in Kolkata, confirmed that the official communication will reach the MLAs on Monday as per the information received from Delhi, he said.
Confirming that the suspension has been approved, Congress legislator from Mawlai, Process T. Sawkmie said
the question of suspension or expulsion does not arise as the five legislators had not left the party but only extended their support to the government in the interest of the people.
He said he is yet to get a formal communication from the AICC.
Sawkmie questioned the silence of the AICC when 12 party MLAs had left and joined the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).
“No action was taken against them but the five of us are being threatened with suspension and expulsion when we have not left the party,” he said.
“The CLP members have our own power and right to take decisions in the interest of our constituencies and the state. The AICC has its right and power to decide on suspension,” he added.
Congress legislator from West Shillong, Mohendro Rapsang refused to comment unless he receives anything in “black and white”.
The five Congress legislators will be meeting on Monday to discuss the development and work out a suitable solution.
The five Congress MLAs – Ampareen Lyngdoh, Mayralborn Syiem, Mohendro Rapsang, PT Sawkmie and Kimfa Marbaniang – had joined the NPP-led MDA government on February 8 stating they want to concentrate on the development of the constituencies as they will be able to avail schemes being part of the government.
However, the majority of the members who attended the executive committee meeting of the MPCC on Friday had proposed action against the MLAs. The two MLAs, Rapsang and Mayralborn who attended the meeting had explained their position, but it was not accepted by the MPCC.