Efforts by non-NPP, non-BJP political parties to cobble up an alliance to form the new government in the State failed today after two MLAs belonging to the HSPDP defected to the group led by the NPP.
Today a meeting of leaders and legislators from UDP, Trinamool Congress, PDF, VPP, Congress and HSPDP was held at the residence of Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui here to discuss on formation of an alternative alliance which included UDP (11), Congress (5), Trinamool Congress (5), VPP (4), PDF (2) and HSPDP (2).
MLAs like Dr. Mukul Sangma, Charles Pyngrope, Metbah Lyngdoh, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, Ardent Basaiawmoit, Adelbert Nongrum, Banteidor Lyngdoh and HSPDP president K Phlastingwell Pangniang were among those present at the meeting.
The two HSPDP MLAs – Mawshynrut MLA Methodius Dkhar and Mawthadraishan MLA Shakliar Warjri along with independent MLA from Rambrai-Jyrngam, Remington Gabil Momin also attended the meeting.
However, during the break, the three MLAs suddenly disappeared and their whereabouts were not known. Efforts to contact them failed as their mobile phones were switched off.
Their action left Pangniang shell shocked even as he said that his party would meet to decide what should be done.
“They did not inform us while leaving, that’s why we’re surprised,” he said.
Later, the two HSPDP MLAs and two Independent legislators Remington Gabil Momin and Kartush R. Marak met NPP president Conrad Sangma separately and handed over their letters of support to the NPP-BJP alliance.
Caught in a dilemma by the betrayal by his own MLAs, Pangniang immediately sent a letter to the NPP president stating that the HSPDP has no role in the letter of support given by the two party MLAs. He also said that the party had withdrawn its support to the NPP-BJP alliance.
However, when Pangniang and party leaders went to the Chief Minister’s bungalow at Polo to hand over the letter of withdrawal of support, they were not allowed to enter the building.
Speaking to media persons, the HSPDP president said that since he was not allowed to enter the Chief Minister’s residence, he had sent the letter to the NPP chief through WhatsApp.
