No move to drop Independent MLAs : Roy

Shillong, Jul 11 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister Donkupar Roy today said there was no move to reshuffle or drop Independent MLAs from his cabinet.

''It is not at all true and the report is not based on facts,'' Dr Roy stated, about reported dissatisfaction among United Democratic Party (UDP) and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLAs over inclusion of Independents in the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) Cabinet.

The chief minister also termed the report as a ''hogwash and a mischievous gossip''.

The council of ministers of the MPA government has three UDP and NCP MLAs each. Hill State People's Democratic Party has two and one each from the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement Party and Bharatiya Janata Party besides, two Independent MLAs Manas Chaudhuri and Don Kupar Massar complete the 12-member Cabinet.

Today, a local daily quoting sources, reported that Roy was on the verge of dropping the two Independents as UDP and NCP MLAs were unhappy over their inclusion.

The chief minister stated that the report was mere 'speculation' aimed at creating confusion among the constituent members of the MPA government.

''No delegation from any party has ever met me with such a request or demand. I am baffled how such reports are published without any verification. It is a mischievous gossip,'' Dr Roy said.

Independent MLA and Minister in-charge Higher and Technical Education Manas Chaudhuri said, ''we are all happy in the MPA government. The report is nothing but a figment of someone's imagination and highly motivated.'' The UDP and the NCP has a seat sharing arrangement for the next two and half years. After the end of the term, Purno A Sangma of the NCP would replace Roy (UDP) as the chief minister. However, there would be no change among other constituent parties of the MPA government.

Exuding confidence that the MPA will complete its term, UDP MLA and Food and Civil Supplies JA Lyngdoh blamed the Opposition Congress for spreading misinformation against the government.

''It is a political game of the Congress. The MPA is united and will complete its term,'' Mr Lyngdoh said.

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