The Hindu Business Line : Congress in talks with NCP to form Govt in Meghalaya

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Congress chief Mr O I Nongtdu on Saturday claimed that talks were on between his party and NCP to form the government in Meghalaya, which has a coalition regime where Congress is not a partner, but NCP leader Mr P A Sangma rubbish ed it.

“Negotiations between central leaders of Congress and NCP are on to form the Government. It is a matter of time before it actually happens,” Mr Nongtdu said.

Mr Sangma rubbished the claim saying, “The NCP will remain with the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA). These are mere speculations.”

Mr Nongtdu, however, said, “Sangma may deny it, but that he has asked his daughter Ms Agatha to vote for the Congress in the trust vote is definitely a step towards a possible patch-up between the two parties.”

The speculations that there could be a change of guard in the politically volatile state were fuelled after Ms Agatha Sangma voted in favour of the UPA in the trust vote.

The MPA which comprises of NCP, UDP, KHNAM, HSPD, BJP and three Independents came to power in March this year.

The Congress, despite emerging as the single largest party in the March assembly elections with 25 seats in the 60-member house, was forced to sit in the opposition after Mr Sangma cobbled up the regional forces.

The NCP has 15 seats in the house. Meanwhile, the opposition leader and former Chief Minister Mr D D Lapang was summoned by the AICC to Delhi. - PTI

Prev: WTO extends trade ministers' meet

Business Line | NUS Index |