Rival Meghalaya factioons meet congress leadership

New Delhi, Aug 24 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister J D Rymbai and his bete noire and former Chief Minister D D Lapang today met Union Minister Oscar Fernandes to present their view points on the political unpase on the leadership issue in Meghalaya.

Mr Rymbai who dislodged Mr D D lapang in June this year was unable to convene the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) fearing exposure of his strength within the CLP. Both groups are prepared to remain in Delhi till the showdown is over and their meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi materialised.

Meghalaya Congress President O L Nongtdu had a separate hearing to give his views on the political situation in the state.

The Congress has 29 MLAs in the 60-member house and also has the support of 16 other legislators belonging to United Democratic Party (eight), Meghalaya Democratic Party (four), Hill State Peoples Democratic Party and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (two each).

About 22 MLAs supporting Mr Lapang had camped here during July-end seeking Mr Rymbai's removal and installation of their own leader.

The state goes to elect a new legislature within the next year.

Therefore, intra-party unity was crucially important in the coming days, according to party insiders.

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