Cong-led Council collapsed in Meghalaya

Shillong, Nov 6 (UNI) The Congress-led coalition in the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) virtually collapsed today after its Chief Executive Member Hambertus Nongtdu tendered his resignation before the start of the council's autumn session.

Mr Nongtdu, who was heading a 26-member Congress and United Democratic Party (UDP)-led JHADC coalition executive committee, quit after Opposition leader Moonlight Pariat intended to move a no-confidence motion.

Yesterday, Mr Pariat submitted his no-confidence motion with JHADC chairman Wanbeit Chullet.

Mr Nongtdu resigned after the eight UDP Member of the District Council (MDCs) left his coalition along with four Congress MDCs.

Of the 26 members, 18 were from the Congress, seven from UDP and one HSPDP.

What hurt the Congress most was that four of its members deserted the Congress and joined hands with Mr Pariat.

Before the collapse of Nongtdu's executive committee, the opposition camp had the strength of only 2 MDCS in council with the effective strength of 29 members in a House of 30. But with 12 MDCs joining him, Mr Pariat has 14 members in a 29-member council that includes the chairman.

Both the Congress and the opposition led by Mr Pariat now has 14 members each.

But JHADC chairman Wanbeit Chullet is reportedly siding with Pariat and during the voting he is likely to cast his deciding vote in favour of Mr Pariat.

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