Meghalaya CM refuses to bow down AICC order

Shillong, Feb 28 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister J D Rymbai tonight declined to step down even after the AICC threatening to take ''disciplinary action'' against him for not complying with the party's high command directive.

Two days ago, 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.

Mr Rymbai decision not to quit the office came after holding a closed door meeting with his eleven "loyal" Congress legislators at his official residence here this evening.

''The Chief Minister is not going to quit as there was complete diversion from normal procedure which was followed by the AICC about eight months ago when D.D Lapang had to step down as a result of CLP voting him out of office,'' CLP Secretary Charles Pyngrope told reporters here.

Mr Pyngrope said if Mr Rymbai has to relinquish office, a decision should come from the AICC president Sonia Gandhi.

''The president should have summoned the incumbent to New Delhi and should have also sent AICC general secretary Oscar Fernandes and senior AICC leaders to confer not only with party's MLAs but also with the coalition partners,'' Mr Pyngrope said.

Mr Pyngrope said the Chief Minister would meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi only if the latter summon him to New Delhi.

Earlier, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president Onward L Nongtdu told UNI here that the AICC is likely to take ''disciplinary action'' against Mr Rymbai for indulging in anti-party activities.

Mr Nongtdu said the Congress high command has taken exception to Mr Rymbai's refusal to quit the office.

''The party might even sack or expel him from the party for not complying with the party's directive,'' Mr Nongtdu stated The AICC would announce their decision on Mr Rymbai tonight or tomorrow, the MPCC President added.

UNI