SHILLONG, March 13 – Amid a fresh rebellion within the Congress, Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang today admitted there was “pressure” by disgruntled MLAs seeking accommodation in the cabinet, reports PTI.
“Naturally there is pressure...Everybody wants to be a minister. But we have to think about our friends (Independent MLAs) who supported us during the formation of the government,” Lapang said.
Asked if he would make changes in his ministry, Lapang said, “Let’s see how big these voices are. Since they have gone to Delhi, I may be guided by the High Command’s view. As of now there is nothing on my table.”
At least nine disgruntled Congress MLAs are camping in New Delhi to urge the AICC to drop the three independent MLAs and the lone MLA from Khyun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) from the ministry, party sources said.
They also met AICC secretary and Meghalaya in-charge Luizinho Falerio in the national capital last night, the sources said.
The rebel MLAs include Saidullah Nongrum, Saleng Sangma, Samuel Sangma, S Dhar, Comingone Ymbon, P Syiem, F P Sangma, F Momin and Lahkmen Rymbui - most of whom have been accommodated as Parliamentary secretaries or chairmen of boards and corporations, they said.
The Legislators have demanded that they be given berths in the ministry after dropping the three Independents and KHNAM MLA Paul Lyngdoh.
Lapang had inducted the three Independents - A T Mondol, Ismail R Marak and Limison Sangma - and the lone KHNAM MLA into his ministry after they were instrumental in dislodging the previous NCP-led government last year.
Mondol holds the the portfolio of IT, Irrigation, Taxation and Weights and Measures, while Marak is in charge of Science and Technology and Transport.
Limison Sangma in the Minister of State for Excise, while cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh looks after some key departments - PWD (building), General Administration, Corporation, Labour, Home (jails) and Home (civil defence and home guards).
Fresh rebellion in Meghalaya Cong
