MDA meeting: Coalition partners dispel allegations against govt, says Meghalaya CM

By Lamphrang Nongspung

SHILLONG:

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, on Thursday, said that all coalition partners of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government agreed that the allegations made by a section of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders were baseless.

“The allegations brought out (are) just talks by a few individuals. We have decided that issues or concerns raised by any partner of the MDA can always be discussed with the chief minister and can be brought before the coordination committee. The majority were of the view that the method in which they brought it out was wrong,” Sangma told reporters after the meeting of the MDA coordination committee on Thursday evening.

Sangma stated the government had already instituted an audit inquiry into the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) for the last ten years to improve the entire process and working of the councils, especially in the GHADC.

“We have ensured that the reformations are going to move at a much faster pace. We have taken all these actions, even though certain individuals are questioning the intention of the government,” he said.

Informing about his meeting with BJP national vice president in-charge of Meghalaya Dr Chuba Ao, Sangma said he had assured that they would work together.

“Both BJP MLAs also stated they would ensure that no such situation happens again,” Sangma said in response to a query on whether the BJP gave any assurance.

“Whatever the case may be, we will always work together as coalition partners,” he said.

BJP state president Ernest Mawrie and vice president Bernard N. Marak did not attend the meeting.

Meanwhile, the CM also informed that he would meet Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik soon to discuss the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Amendment Bill.

“The governor had raised some concerns on the bill. But what is important is the actual implementation of the entry-exit point, which is really the crux of the entire matter,” Sangma said.

Concerning the issue of reshuffling the minister’s berth between the two BJP legislators, Sangma said that there were cases with certain political parties where agreements between the MLAs were brought to his notice right at the beginning of the term.

“Therefore, as the chairman of the MDA and as the Chief Minister, it is my duty to ensure that that the understanding which was made known to me at the beginning of the term by certain political parties is implemented,” Sangma said.

(Edited by Andre Kongri)