New government in Delhi may change equation in Meghalaya

Shillong, Sep 10 (UNI) Former Lok Sabha speaker P A Sangma today hinted that the combination of new government after the Lok Sabha poll may have its impact on the United Democratic Party (UDP)-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government.

Mr Sangma, the main architect of the MPA, however, maintained that the Nationalist Congress Party leadership would not force the state leadership to change the coalition equation in the state.

'' Naturally, the change at the Centre after the Lok Sabha election will have its political implications in the state as nothing can be predicted in politics, '' Mr Sangma told UNI here.

His statement assumed significance in the wake of media reports claiming that the Opposition Congress party had offered the post of Chief Ministership to Mr Sangma to lead the NCP-Congress-led government.

'' But I don't think they (Congress) will be successful with their move in Meghalaya, as we (MPA) are united to complete the full term, '' he said.

Mr Sangma added that the much-talked of a possible Congress and NCP alliance in Meghalaya are only rumours and speculations spread by the Congress.

The Congress, which emerged as the single largest party, was short of just six seats to cross the majority threshold in the House.

In fact, the Congress required just three more legislators to tip the balance in their favour but failed to sway any.

With 15 legislators, the NCP is backing the United Democratic Party (11)-led MPA government with the support of Hill State People's Democratic Party (2), Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement and BJP (one MLA each) besides three Independent MLAs.

On the Congress offer, the veteran politician said he was not in the race of accepting the Chief Ministership. ''The UDP offered me the post of the chief minister prior to the formation of the MPA government; I refused to take the top post,'' Mr Sangma said.

He, however, made it clear that he would lead the ruling MPA after two and half years as agreed in principle before the formation of the MPA government.

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