The Hindu : National : Cong. caused instability in Meghalaya: Sangma

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 18, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

National

National

Cong. caused instability in Meghalaya: Sangma

Sushanta Talukdar

Umpher (Meghalaya): Nationalist Congress Party general secretary P.A. Sangma on Friday accused the Congress of having brought political instability to the State.

At an election rally in the Jirang constituency, the former Lok Sabha Speaker, pointed out that during the past 35 years (since the inception of Meghalaya in 1972) 18 governments had ruled the State. “The NCP is committed to providing a stable, single-party government with strong leadership, which is also the need of the hour.”

In this constituency, the NCP’s Labourious Manik Syiem, a former ‘Syiem’ (administrative head or traditional ruler) of Mylliem Hima (native Khasi state), is pitted against the sitting member and former Chief Minister J.D. Rymbai, who is contesting on United Democratic Party ticket. He quit the Congress after he was denied ticket.

The UDP was a partner in the Congress-led coalition government but the two parties are fighting each other in this election.

Mr. Sangma, who spoke in five languages (Garo, English, Assamese, Bengali and Hindi), said: After serving the country as an MP for 30 long years I have come back to Meghalaya to take charge as Chief Minister. My people have elected me to Parliament a record 10 times. It is now time to focus on Meghalaya, which is facing a leadership crisis.”

Earlier, Young Garo boys and girls performed ‘Wangala’(a traditional post-harvest dance of the Garos), Khasi girls performed a modern dance while Karbi boys and girls performed bamboo dance.

On Thursday, Mr. Sangma filed his nomination in the Tura constituency on Thursday. His elder son James K. Sangma is contesting from Rongchugiri. His younger son Conrad K. Sangma has filed papers in Selsela.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National