Shillong: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) announced on Thursday its decision to move court against the merger of three of its MLAs with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP). Additionally, the party is considering whether to withdraw its support from the executive committee (EC) in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
MPCC president Vincent H. Pala, addressing the media after a party meeting, revealed that legal experts are being consulted, and the necessary paperwork is being prepared. Pala emphasized that the Congress aims to set a precedent by challenging the merger in court, accusing the ruling party of violating the Constitution and the oath taken by ministers.
On August 19, Congress MLAs Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh (Umsning), Charles Marngar (Mawhati), and Gabriel Wahlang (Nongstoiñ) merged with the NPP, leaving Congress with just one MLA, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh.
Pala further stated that the majority of party workers have expressed the need for Congress to pull out of the NPP-led EC in the KHADC. The party leadership is expected to make a decision soon.
Following the defections of Marngar and Wahlang, Congress is now left with only two MDCs – Ronnie Lyngdoh (who also serves as Mylliem MLA) and Pynshngainlang N. Syiem (Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah) – in the 30-member council. Syiem is currently the Deputy Chief Executive Member in the Pyniaid Sing Syiem-led EC.
“The sentiment among our workers is that we should go alone in the district council,” Pala said. “They are unhappy with how the NPP is managing the council, and most believe we should withdraw our support.”
Pala explained that the Meghalaya Congress initially supported the NPP-led EC based on issues related to the amendment of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution and the delimitation of constituencies ahead of the upcoming ADC elections.
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