Congress suspended Mawhati MLA & Nongstoin MLA for their intention to associate with MDA Government

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 16, 2024

In a major political development in Meghalaya political arena, the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) suspended Mawhati MLA and MDC Charles Marngar and Nongstoin MLA and MDC Gabriel Wahlang for anti-party activities.

Marngar and Wahlang along with Umsning MLA Dr. C Lyngdoh were in the news for joining the National People Party (NPP) during the past few days and taking stock of the matter, the MPCC summoned all three MLAs to a meeting on Friday for clarifying their stand on the matter but Dr. Lyngdoh attended the meeting.

The suspension letter both to Marngar and Wahlang was signed by MPCC General Secretary (Admn) Wansuk and it was individually. The letter reads, “I have been directed by the competent authority to inform you that you have been suspended from the Indian National Congress with immediate effect for six years or until further notice due to your involvement in anti-party activities.

This decision is based on recent reports from the Block Committee and Frontal Organization, which indicate your association with the MDA Government. Such actions are in direct conflict with the party’s ideologies and principles, necessitating this disciplinary measure.”

Earlier after the meeting, MPCC president Vincent H Pala said, “We had invited all the three MLAs. However only Dr Celestine came and briefed us. He said that we are not going as on today, we are still thinking (as) there was offer from the NPP for lots of developmental schemes. For example, they offered them blocks, roads and many things to join with them but he said that they have not decided and that is why he came and briefed us.” 

“Saleng A Sangma (Tura MP) has told him so many blocks have been promised, has been sanctioned but on ground reality nothing happen. They (NPP) have laid so many foundation stones in Garo Hills, so many schools, hospitals – even existing they have not done, how you expect they will give you a new one? Ronnie V Lyngdoh (LO) argued that these promises always given to the opposition and they always try to screw the opposition and try to lure them with schemes otherwise opposition will always be left high and dry, they don’t get their rights,” he said.

Slamming the NPP-led MDA government, Pala alleged that the government is using illegal money to lure MLAs of the Congress and other parties.

 “So the government of the day is not like before. Now, the government is very arrogant, the government is very corrupt, the government is trying to finish the other parties by using illegal money they got from drugs, illegal money which they got from the illegal coal mining, from manipulation of the contract works, so many things as you have seen,” he said while adding “As on today, it starts even up to the transfers and postings and all. So with that money, they are trying to get our people.”

“So we appeal to our people that don’t fall into the trap as you have seen last time, 17 MLAs left the Congress and how many came back. 70 per cent of them lost the election. More than that they lose their fist and the party also lose our ground. If they go it is not for the interest of the NPP or the BJP because out of 60, they already have 47 with them so they don’t need the Congress but only to disgrace,” he added. 

Stating that there is a very desperate move by the BJP-NPP to destroy the Congress, Pala said, “They know that the sentiments of the people are with the Congress now not only in the state but on all India level. They think that by taking the MLAs with them, they will destroy us especially in the Gambegre election and MDC election.”

He informed that the party has also issued a strong warning against the MLAs that stern action will be taken against them if they shift allegiance.

“So we do our job, we will not spare anyone. We will take a stern action, we will not spare them. So there is no question that the Congress is soft or the president is not taking a decision because I was away to US because my daughter is working in the US, I went there to see her and her accomodation and everything,” he said.

“But we did not take action based on press (reports) or others but now, we got reports from the blocks, we call them and leader of opposition, as MP, we are all here, we should listen to them, we should not only be loyal to our party but we should be fair to our members, give them a chance by listening to them, that’s why we have not taken action so far. 

Since we have given them a request and appeal so let see what they say. We will try to meet two other MLAs also if they are willing, we are ready to meet otherwise we will do our own job,” he added.