Sangma back to Meghalaya politics;stakes claim to chief ministership

Shillong, Jan 16 (UNI) Former Lok Sabha Speaker and NCP leader Purno A Sangma today decided to return to Meghalaya politics and stake claim for chief ministership.

His decision to return to state politics assumed significance against a backdrop of the ''inner-squabbles'' in the Congress in the state over the change of leadership in the state.

''I have decided to return to state politics on request made by party supporters and well-wishers,'' Mr Sangma told UNI here over the phone.

The former Lok Sabha Speaker served as Meghalaya Chief Minister from 1988 to 1990 before turning to national politics in 1991.

Mr Sangma was elected as Lok Sabha member from Tura parliamentary constituency since 1977 till date.

The tallest Garo leader was the first tribal political leader to be elevated to the Cabinet rank in the Union government.

Mr Sangma said he had also announced in today's NCP state-level conference held at his home-turf in Tura state's West Garo Hills district.

When asked, Mr Sangma said he would decide in a month's time the constituency to contest the state's election.

'' The names of our party's candidates will be decided in a month's time,'' he said, adding that the NCP is on full swing preparing for the general polls.

Meghalaya goes to general assembly election next year.

Earlier, in the day, Mr Sangma lambasted the ruling Congress-led government in the state for its failure on all fronts.

Criticising the Congress party, Mr Sangma said Congress leaders in Meghalaya have forgotten their primary duties of development, as most of them wants to be leader.

Meanwhile, the state NCP today has elected Dr W R Kharlukhi as its new party's president. Dr Kharlukhi replaced state's Rajya Sabha member Robert Kharshiing.

UNI