SHILLONG, NOV 30: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today claimed that five Independent legislators are all set to join the ruling Congress ahead of the 2018 Assembly poll even as he said only the “non-performers” are blaming his government.
Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, Sangma said that some of the Independent MLAs have indicated their desire to be nominees of the Indian National Congress (INC) for the upcoming state elections.
“These are in the process of examination and as per practice and convention of the INC as we decide at our level, it has to be approved by our central election committee which is headed by the Congress president,” he said.
Asked, Sangma said those joining the Congress include five Independent MLAs from Garo Hills region, one from Khasi Hills while many non sitting MLAs from Jaintia Hills have also shown keen interest to join the party’s fold.
“We have quite number of friends who are not sitting MLAs from other parties who have indicated their willingness and we have look at the possibility of considering their request,” he added.
His statement also came at a time when at least two Independent MLAs – Rophul S Marak and Robinus Syngkon – have withdrawn support from the Congress-led MUA-II government.
Besides, some of the sitting legislators from the Congress are also waiting anxiously to join other political parties after the upcoming winter session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
On Independent MLAs blaming the failure of his government, the chief minister said, “It is nothing new as only non-performers are blaming others. I have seen those who have not been able to fulfill the aspiration of the people, have been shown the door by the electorates. So there is no scope for blame game…we have all records available with us.”
On the other hand, Sangma however said that withdrawing of support by the Independent MLAs is because that the battle lines have been drawn.
He said that the Congress have candidates in those constituencies presently represented by Independent MLAs, who will be strong contenders against the sitting MLAs.
“These candidates are already the projected and well nurtured potential nominees of the INC,” he said.
As battle lines are drawn, Sangma said, “We will see how sitting MLAs are positioning themselves. In the case of independent MLAs, obviously they will look at the option of either aligning with other political parties or contest as an independents.”
By Our Reporter
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