Meghalaya: Cong, MDA to discuss on prez polls

Shillong, Jun 27: The coalition partners of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance(MDA) government and Congress Legislature Party would meet on July 6 to discuss the presidential election slated on July 19.

Meghalaya has a total vote value of 3,144, of the 60 legislators and three Members of Parliament for the Presidential election.

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee President Onwardly Nongtdu told UNI here today that the meeting would mainly discuss the presidential election and seek support of the coalition partners.

The Congress, which has 29 legislators, is leading the Congress-led MDA government with the support of the four regional parties United Democratic Party (8), Meghalaya Democratic Party (4), Hill State People's Democratic Party (2), Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, besides three Independent MLAs.

Sources close to the Congress here said senior Congress leaders have also approached the eight legislators of the opposition Nationalist Congress Party and other two Independent MLAs to ensure victory for UPA nominee Pratibha Patil.

Mr Nongtdu said that the necessary initiative would be made by the State Congress to ensure the victory of Ms Patil.

Chief Minister DD Lapang had assured the Congress Working Committee of the maximum number of votes from Meghalaya for Ms Patil.

UNI