No threat to Lapang ministry: Zenith

Shillong, Jun 7 (UNI) Newly inducted Meghalaya Minister for Community and Rural Development Zenith Manda Sangma today asserted there was no threat to the ruling Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government despite some rebel Congress MLAs demanding a change in leadership.

Terming the political turmoil within the party as 'trivial,' Sangma, the younger brother of the former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Mukul Manda Sangma, termed it, ''an internal political squabble,'' which would be sorted out soon with the guidance of the AICC leaders.

Mr Sangma, who represents Rangsakona constituency in Garo Hills, said he had faith in the leadership of Chief Minister D D Lapang and was unaware of the demand for change of leadership made by 20 Congress legislators.

''I have no idea about the demand,'' the Congress minister said.

However, Mr Sangma refused to comment when asked whether he was with the rebel group.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committe President Onwardly Nongtdu told UNI here that Union Minister of state without protfolio Oscar Fernandes would arrive on June 12 to assess the overall political development in the state.

Mr Nongtdu said that Congress ministers and the rebel group have agreed to convene the Congress party meeting scheduled on June 12 for a permanent solution.

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