Congress may form council again as ten BJP men defect

Musical chair in NCHAC

Correspondent

Haflong, Jan 8: Less than three months after the BJP formed the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, the Congress on Friday appeared set to regain power, with reports that ten executive members joined the party last night.

The Congress leadership in the district claimed that as many as ten BJP executive members of council joined the Congress last night at Kolkata.

In October last, as many as 18 Congress executive members had joined the BJP and subsequently the 30-member autonomous council was taken over by the saffron party with former rebel Niranjan Hojai as its Chief Executive Member.

The election for the 11th North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council was held on May 20, 2013. The Congress won 10 seats and the rest were won by Independents. Six Independents, however, joined the Congress to give the party the majority to form the council on May 28. The BJP did not win a single seat.

On Friday, Mahendra Kemprai, president of the Dima Hasao district Congress unit, who is now camping at Guwahati and monitoring the situation, confirmed the recent political development and claimed support of as many as 22 members in the House. Though he was hesitant to disclose about the future course of action, Kemprai hinted that the Congress would meet the Governor and claim majority in the House very soon.

Dima Hasao BJP president BB Hagjer said that though he has heard about the defection, he would comment only after the members return from Kolkata.

"I will have to speak to the members before saying anything," he said.

The members who joined the Congress last night include Fleming Rupsy Shylla, Mihir Garlosa, L Hlima Keivom, Athong Lienthang, Khawvelthang Hmar, Suangthangjen Hrangkhol, Hailamkambe Kuame, Laljoshua Baite, Paudaming Nriame and Denis Teron.

Congress insiders said that the party would take extra care this time to maintain political stability.

Kulendra Daolagupu is likely to be the new CEM in Congress-led council.

Present CEM Niranjan Hojai could not be contacted for his reaction.