Meghalaya unit of AITC not formed just to topple MDA govt, says Himalaya Shangpliang

Shangpliang also claimed that, in the days to come, more people from the Congress and other parties will join the AITC.

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SHILLONG:

In response to Congress chief, Vincent Pala’s allegation that the 12 defectors, led by former Chief Minister and Congress leader, Mukul Sangma, have joined the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) to topple the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) backed Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, Himalaya Shangpliang, the newly formed secretary of the parliamentary party of the Meghalaya unit of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), has ruled out any such agenda.

 “Politically, one cannot predict it, but it does not mean that we merged with the AITC just to topple the government,” he said, after the first meeting of the parliamentary party meeting of the outfit, on November 26.

He further clarified, “If an opportunity arrives, where we could form the government, why not?” Adding that it is an immature statement.

On whether other MLAs would join the AITC, Shangpliang, who represents the Mawsynram constituency, said that the door of the party is always open for those who wants to join.

“They would have to confirm the legalities of the anti-defection law. That said, they are most welcome. We look forward to some of our very close friends to join us. They have just missed the bus,” he said.

Shangpliang has claimed that more people from the Congress will also join the AITC. “The feedback has been positive so far. There are whispers of people willing to join us. We are hopeful of this,” he said, adding, “Many ex-MLAs and senior leaders of various parties have already expressed their interest in joining AITC. In the days to come, many good leaders will be with us.”

The Mawsynram legislator also outrightly rejected the allegation that the 12 MLAs have betrayed the voters by switching over to AITC. “This is no betrayal. To reiterate what has been clarified from our side earlier, we saw a space where we could function and communicate with our people better. It is about fulfilling their aspirations into reality.”

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