Shillong: In a significant political development in Meghalaya, the Congress party has suspended the membership of two of its MLAs, Nongstoin MLA Gabriel Wahlang and Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, for six years over allegations of “anti-party activities.”
The suspension, effective immediately, was based on reports indicating that the two legislators were planning to join the National People’s Party (NPP). The decision was confirmed in a letter signed by Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) general secretary Wansuk Syiem, which stated that the actions of Wahlang and Marngar were in direct conflict with the party’s ideologies and principles.
“This decision is based on recent reports from the Block Committee and Frontal Organisation which indicate your association with the MDA government. Such actions are in direct conflict with the party ideologies and principles, necessitating this disciplinary measure,” read the letter sent to the two MLAs.
Both Wahlang and Marngar are also Members of the District Council (MDCs) of the Congress, further intensifying the impact of their suspension within the party ranks.
The State Congress leadership had earlier called for a special meeting with Wahlang, Marngar, and Umsning MLA Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh to address media reports suggesting their intention to switch allegiance to the NPP. However, only Lyngdoh attended the meeting, where he admitted that he was promised various developmental schemes by the NPP if he defected from Congress.
Frustrated by the refusal of Wahlang and Marngar to attend the meeting, MPCC president Vincent Pala approved their suspension from the party for six years.
The situation escalated further when Marngar, along with his supporters, met with Chief Minister and NPP national president Conrad Sangma to discuss demands for the creation of the Mawhati Community and Rural Development Block and the repair of the Sonidan-Umsiang road, among other issues.
Sangma reportedly assured that the Mawhati C&RD Block would be sanctioned and that the Sonidan-Umsiang road would be repaired under a newly sanctioned World Bank loan. He also promised the construction of school buildings in various villages within the Mawhati constituency.
In response to these developments, Pala accused the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government of using illegal money to weaken opposition parties. “They are trying to finish off the other parties from the illegal money which they have got from drugs, coal mining, and manipulation of contract works,” Pala stated.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
He further criticised the NPP’s efforts to undermine Congress ahead of the upcoming Gambegre by-election and MDC elections, calling it a desperate move by the ruling party to wipe out the opposition.
Slamming NPP, he said that its ministers are issuing instant cheques in Gambegre besides promising roads, schools, hospitals and blocks when their respective constituencies are devoid of any development. “They are trying to purchase voters in Gambegre as they lost face in the recent Lok Sabha elections,” he said.
Also Read | CM Conrad Sangma leads climate crisis discussions in Shillong