Shillong, March 9: After fighting for plum portfolios, the Congress and other partners in the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) are now vying for the post of Speaker. The election to the post of Speaker will be held on Wednesday.
The Congress has already announced the name of Martin M. Danggo as the MDA candidate for post of Speaker.
However, the announcement has angered the other coalition partners, who have alleged that “the decision to put up Danggo was not unanimous”.
Several MLAs feel that “Danggo is not fit to become Speaker and the post should be given to senior legislators like Hopingstone Lyngdoh”.
Most of the coalition partners, like the United Democratic Party (UDP), the Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) are “unhappy with the Congress for its “attitude”.
A senior Congressman said the single-handed decisions of the party “could cost it dearly” in the days ahead. With the trouble between chief minister D.D. Lapang and the UDP over allocation of portfolios yet to blow over, the Speaker’s election could become cause of contention, said MDA sources.
Warning that the issue could lead to “fireworks” within the coalition, the sources said the UDP might use the opportunity to bargain for more plum portfolios.
The sources claimed that Danggo, who was returned from the Langrin constituency in West Khasi Hills, was not popular among the Congress members, leave alone other parties.
Several coalition partners are reportedly contemplating meeting the chief minister tomorrow to discuss the possibility of nominating veteran HSPDP chief Hopingstone Lyngdoh for the post.