Congress on Dhar issue

From A Correspondent

SHILLONG, June 7: Is the issue of whether to drop Meghalaya Cabinet Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar too hot to handle? Judging from the statements of the leaders in the Congress’ camp it seems they are treading on the issue with utmost caution.

It may be mentioned that on June 6, the discipliry committee of the MPCC met to discuss the reply to the show cause issued to Dhar for his alleged anti-party activities.

Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Dr DD Lapang after the meeting told reporters that the issue of dropping the minister as demanded by certain quarters is not within the ambit of MPCC. Earlier, on June 3 during his visit to the state AICC General Secretary and in charge of Meghalaya CP Joshi said that Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee chief (DD Lapang) is competent to respond on the Dhar issue.

Meanwhile, MPCC sources informed that the discipliry committee headed by WHD Syngkon to look into the allegations of anti-party activities against the Power Minister, has already submitted its report to the Lapang on June 6. It may be mentioned that the discipliry committee had met before submitting the report.

Earlier, the Jowai Block Congress Committee had sought action against Dhar and demanded that he be dropped from the Cabinet for trying to get party ticket for his brother-in-law from Jowai, which is currently represented by Deputy Chief Minister Prof RC Laloo.

He had openly campaigned for his brother-in-law, Wailadmiki Shylla who is planning to contest from Jowai in the upcoming Assembly elections.

 Following this, the party sought explation from the minister who in his reply maintained that there was nothing wrong for anyone to apply for party ticket.

Meanwhile, after Dhar projected his own candidate from Jowai constituency, his elder brother and Congress legislator from Umroi constituency Ngaitlang Dhar, announced his decision to support Sosthenus Sohtun in the upcoming Assembly elections in 2018 from Jirang constituency.

Sohtun who has resigned from Congress and from his post as vice president of Jirang Block Congress Committee (JBCC) will contest the 2018 polls from Jirang although he is yet to announce the party he is seeking ticket.

Jirang is represented by independent legislator Lamboklang Mylliem.