Dissidence reports a canard: AICC

Shillong, Jan 21 (PTI): Setting aside rumours ofdissidence within the party in Meghalaya, the AICC has dubbedreports about the possibility of yet another change of guardin the state as a ''canard''.

At a meeting of the Congress Legislature Party lastnight, which was skipped by 12 legislators who had ''givenprior intimation about their engagements'', AICC generalsecretary in charge of Meghalaya Luizinho Faleiro isunderstood to have made it clear to the legislators that thehigh command would not entertain anymore dissidence.

''''I have seen the reports in the media about clamour fora leadership change. They are a canard and totally false. Theyhave sprung out of the figment of imagination of somebody,''''Faleiro told reporters later.

The CLP meeting was also attended by AICC secretaryMajor (retd) Ved Prakash and other senior Congress leaders ofthe state, including Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

Faleiro categorically stressed that the party leadershipin the high command is yet to hear any voice of discord on theperformance of the present Chief Minister.

In fact the AICC leader appreciated the performance ofthe present incumbent, he said.

Sangma also refuted reports that some MLAs were unhappyin his style of functioning which has been described as''arrogant'' and said he knew of it only media reports.

Faleiro also sent a strong message to the Congress MLAsto desist from rumour-mongering or else face stern action.

Earlier, Faleiro and Prakash had overseen a coordinationmeeting between the party and the government to put in placecertain �performance measurement tools� for effectiveimplementation of the 16 flagship projects of the UPAgovernment in the state.

Speaking to the media later, Faleiro laid stress on thesignificance to have proper mechanisms up to the block leveland public grievances meetings to be convened at the state,district and block level to solicit suggestions from membersof the public.

All suggestions and grievances will be overseen by amonitoring committee to be headed by the Chief Minister.