Congress allies likely to forge alliance with opposition

Shillong, Jan 24 (UNI) As the leadership issue in Meghalaya hangs in balance, the regional allies of the Congress led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government is likely to forge an alliance with the opposition to form an alternative government in the state.

The regional parties--United Democratic Party, Meghalaya Democratic Party, Hill State People's Democratic Party and Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement--have voiced their concern over the Congress legislators' tussle over the post of Chief Minister.

The opposition NCP, BJP along with two Independent MLAs have expressed their readiness to form an alternative government in the wake of the infighting in the Congress.

The NCP has 8 MLAs while BJP has two MLAs.

The regional parties have 16 MLAs in the 60-member house.

''If the Congress cannot sort out their problem soon, we have to take other option to ensure political stability in the state,'' state Forest Minister and MDP president Martle N Mukhim told UNI here today.

Political bickering has been lingering between the warring factions of the Congress ever since Mr J D Rymbai took charge as the Chief Minister from his predecessor D D Lapang last June.

A fortnight ago, altogether 29 Congress legislators elected their new Congress Legislature Party leader through a secret ballot. But the counting is yet to begin as Ms Gandhi is busy with election campaign in Uttar Pradesh and other states.

The votes sealed in an envelope will decide the fate of Mr Rymbai and his bete-noire Mr Lapang.

Mr Mukhim said the 'squabblings' in the Congress has also affected the development of the state. ''All developmental projects are being affected, the administration is confused with the ongoing tussle in the Congress,'' he said.

''The Congress should sort out their problem once for all in the best interest of the state,'' the MDP leader urged, adding the citizens of the state have expressed their unhappiness with the present state of affairs in the Congress.

UNI