Meghalaya CM downplays MPCC remarks against NCP's victory

Shillong, Dec 19 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister J D Rymbai has downplayed the statement made by Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee chief Onward L Nongtdu, alleging the NCP of taking help from the outlawed Achik National Volunteers Council (ANVC) in the just concluded Rongjeng by-elections.

''Unless it is proved, Mr Nongtdu should not make such remarks,'' Mr Rymbai told reporters here, adding that the statement made by the MPCC chief is his personal remark.

''We cannot just take things for granted. We have to go into the ground reality to find out the truth,'' Mr Rymbai added.

The MPCC chief Onward L Nongtdu has alleged that the elected NCP MLA Desang M Sangma from Rongjeng Assembly constituency had won the by-polls with the support of ''underground elements''.

The state NCP has termed Mr Nongtdu's remarks as his ''ignorance'' and insensitivity.

'It is unfortunate that such a statement should come from the MPCC President who is expected to be a responsible individual.

Instead of accepting the democratic verdict, he is humiliating the people of Rongjeng by referring to ANVC's interference,'' NCP Working President W R Kharlukhi said.

However, Dr Kharlukhi claimed the NCP's emphatic victory in Rongjeng was helped by the division in Congress.

UNI RRK BA MS RK KLC1523