Shillong, July 7: Congress legislators have revolted against chief minister D.D. Lapang for excluding ?some seasoned and competent? politicians from the downsized 12-member Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government in the state. Immediately after the names and portfolios of the 12 ministers were announced, legislators from the Congress and the regional coalition partners openly questioned Lapang?s decision to induct first-timers instead of experienced hands.
Almost all MLAs and Congress workers have revolted against the chief minister and threatened to take out processions to protest against his selection.
The second-largest regional coalition partner in the MDA, the United Democratic Party, is also said to be ?extremely unhappy? and is contemplating pulling out of the government.
The uprising against Lapang is the first of its kind after the Congress-led MDA came into power.
While seasoned UDP legislators like R.L. Tariang, Sing Mulieh, Kyrmen Susngi and Misalan Suchiang have approached their party president and finance minister, Donkupar Roy, for an explanation, the Congress revolt has been spearheaded by outgoing home minister Robert G. Lyngdoh challenging the chief minister?s decision.
?It is not about me, it is about principles. When the government cited improved law and order to prove its performance, my work should have spoken for itself,? Lyngdoh said, adding that he was very disappointed with the decision.
?The chief minister had said that efficiency would be a priority for selecting ministers. My rejection means that I am not efficient,? Lyngdoh said.
The outgoing home minister supported the idea of taking out a procession with his loyalists to protest Lapang?s selection. ?A procession is better than a bandh,? Lyngdoh said.
Refusing to buy the argument that he was rejected because of his poor health, he questioned, ?Does it deter my efficiency? What about the people with permanent afflictions who have been chosen? I want to know what formula was followed by the chief minister.?
Lapang is at present in New Delhi meeting members of the AICC. Though Lapang?s unscheduled visit has raised a few eyebrows, it is said that he was summoned by the high command.
Dissent is brewing in the Congress with senior leaders like K.K. Dkhar, who was the border areas development minister, echoing similar sentiments. The list of disgruntled MLAs is growing with almost all ?left-out? leaders gunning for Lapang.
?I am very unhappy with the selection. It was a real let-down and injustice was done to all,? Dkhar said.