I'm ready to pave way for deserving leader: Rymbai

Shillong, Jan 12 (UNI) In a twist to the ongoing political development in Meghalaya, Chief Minister J D Rymbai today said he is ready to pave way for a deserving MLA to lead the Congress Legislature Party in the state.

His remarks assumed significance in the backdrop of AICC chief Sonia Gandhi's directive to Mr Rymbai to convene a Congress Legislature Party meeting to elect a new leader.

The crucial party's legislature meet slated on January 17 would decide the fate of three warring leaders--Mr Rymbai, his predecessor Mr D D Lapang and former Deputy Chief Minister Dr Mukul M Sangma.

''I am prepared to pave way for a better person to lead the party's legislature if the party high command asked me to do so,'' Mr Rymbai told reporters at an official news conference here.

However, Mr Rymbai confirmed that he was still in the race to compete for the CLP leader.

When asked whether he would accept the NCP support in case he was ousted from the CLP leadership and seek a vote of confidence in the floor of the Assembly, the chief minister said, ''I will not go against my party wish and I will support the new leader''.

Two days back, former Lok Sabha Speaker and NCP leader Purno A Sangma said he was ready to bail out beleaguered Chief Minister J D Rymbai to retain power.

Meanwhile, former Deputy Chief Minister who had also thrown his hat in the ring exuded confidence to take over the mantle from Mr Rymbai.

''In case there was a change of leadership in the state, I will stake my claim to it,'' Dr Sangma said here this evening.

UNI