Congress allies oppose Sonia's decision to remove Rymbai

Shillong, March 8 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister J D Rymbai today received a shot in the arm with his coalition partners opposing Congress President Sonia Gandhi's directive asking him to step down and pave way for his predecessor Mr D D Lapang.

The decision of the regional parties assumed significance against the backdrop of Mr Rymbai buying time to tender his resignation.

'' We will appeal to the Congress to change their decision to ensure political stability in the state, '' Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) president Paul Lyngdoh told reporters.

Mr Lyngdoh said United Democratic Party (UDP) president Donkupar Roy, Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP) president Martle N Mukhim and himself would call on Mr Rymbai tomorrow to voice their concern on the present political situation in the state.

The regional parties, the United Democratic Party (8), Meghalaya Democratic Party(4), Hill State People's Democratic Party (2) and the KHNAN (2), were supporting the Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

Ms Gandhi on Tuesday directed Mr Rymbai to step down and pave the way for his bete noire Mr Lapang.

Earlier, the Chief Minister said he will call on his loyalists tomorrow defying the 'diktat' of the Congress High Command to tender his resignation.

'' I am going to meet my loyalists in the Congress and then other supporting alliance partners as well as regional parties.

Only after that I shall go to Governor M M Jacob to inform him about our decision, ''Mr Rymbai told UNI