MPA loses yet another minister

Shillong (Meghalaya), Mar 12 (ANI): The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government lost another minister on Thursday as Chief Minister Donkupar Roy declared that he would seek a vote of confidence in the state assembly on 17th March.

Health and Family Welfare Minister, Advisor Pariong, belonging to coalition ally Hill State Peoples Democratic Party (HSPDP) resigned from the government earlier in the day.

Meanwhile, Congress leader D D Lapang said he would move a no-confidence motion against Speaker B M Lanong when the assembly session begins on 16th March.

He has alleged that the Speaker "has apparently threatened members who have quit the MPA, saying on record that they could be disqualified".

Lapang is also demanding resignation of Roy from his post after the MPA lost its majority on Wednesday, after two independents from Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) Limison Sangma and Ismail R Marak withdrew their support.

The two MLAs are now in Congress.

The coalition government's strength has come down to 29 in a 60-member House. (ANI)