Mukul terms Congress deserters as 'betrayers'

From Staff Correspondent

Shillong, Oct 11: Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma termed the MLAs reportedly planning to leave the Congress as “habitual dissenters” and said it is no surprise for the party.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh, axed Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar and two Congress MLAs-cum-Parliamentary Secretaries are in the wings of the tiolist People’s Party.

The Chief Minister took a swipe at his former colleagues. “Were they not the ones who tried to topple this government number of times? They were involved in no-confidence motions against the government/Speaker and acting as agents of other political parties. So, where is the surprise element?” asked Sangma, who has often been accused by detractors within the ruling party of being autocratic in functioning.

Reacting to the spate of desertions by the Congress legislators, the Chief Minister said all those who want to shifted allegiance are “presuming or assuming” that they will have greener pastures. “Everyone knows about their real intentions, even the electorates do,” he added.

Terming them as “betrayers” of the Congress party, Sangma, however, acknowledged that the “not so surprising” desertion by prominent legislators will have its impact on the ruling party.

“I admit that there will be implications, but our coherent and collective leadership will make us stronger,” asserted Sangma, who has come under intense criticisms from some quarters for deciding to contest from two seats. The Sentinel has exclusively reported his decision to contest from two constituencies.