Congress allies likely to forge alliance with oppn

Shillong, Jan 24: As the leadership issue in the state hangs in the 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 with 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 and BJP two.

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