Cong allies in Meghalaya against AICC removal of Rymbai

Shillong, Feb 28 (UNI) Beleaguered Meghalaya Chief Minister J D Rymbai today got a shot in the arm after his regional allies voiced concern against the frequent change of leadership in the state.

Two days ago, senior AICC leaders Oscar Fernandes and Maj (Retd) Ved Prakash verbally conveyed the party high command's message to Mr Rymbai to quit the office of chief minister.

However, Mr Rymbai refused to bow down to the AICC's directive, citing that the AICC leaders did not give him any reason to step down.

''We are deeply disappointed with the Congress' move to change leader every now and then,'' Chairman of Joint Parliamentary Party Martle N Mukhim told reporters here today.

Mr Mukhim, a Social Welfare Minister in the Rymbai-led ministry, said Mr Rymbai can always prove his majority in the floor of the House in the wake of AICC directive.

''The Chief Minister should take advantage of the constitutional provision for floor test in the Assembly,'' Mr Mukhim said, adding that ''it is up to the chief minister whether he prefers to take up the matter on the floor of the House.'' Mr Mukhim's statement also assumed significance in the backdrop of the opposition Nationalist Congress Party renewing its offer to extend outside support to Mr Rymbai in the Assembly.

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

The political bickering has been lingering between the two warring factions of the Congress ever since Mr Rymbai assumed power replacing his predecessor Mr D D Lapang in June last.

UNI