We have sent letters to coalition partners in MDA inviting them for discussion on state’s future: Ex-CM Mukul Sangma
Speaking to the press on Thursday, he said, “It will be a continuous process — we have initiated this — it is more like an open invitation for a discussion, keeping in mind our responsibility towards the people of the state. I don’t know how many of them would be forthcoming to discuss."
Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma on Thursday informed that the Congress has sent “feelers” to the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition, and has thus decided to adopt a “wait and watch” policy.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, he said, “It will be a continuous process — we have initiated this — it is more like an open invitation for a discussion, keeping in mind our responsibility towards the people of the state. I don’t know how many of them would be forthcoming to discuss.”
Despite the uncertainty, Sangma took solace in this outreach to the ruling dispensation, noting, “We are not talking about who leads the government. We are only talking about a new dispensation which can reverse the process which is leading to a disastrous future.”
He reaffirmed that Congress stands for transparency and that the party is now “awaiting the response” from the ruling coalition. “I think our stand is clear,” Sangma said, adding, “We do not want to indulge in any kind of back door politics, because we believe that what is being done must be known by the people.”
Sangma also stated the need to adopt an approach that veers away from the “toppling game” commonly seen in politics. “You cannot rule out various aspects of unpleasant developments including horse-trading, which should be avoided by all. But over the years, and in the recent past, the tendency to engage in horse-trading has become quite frequent and doesn’t augur well for democracy,” he said.
However, Deputy Chief Minister Pretone Tynsong dismissed Sangma’s criticism and asserted that the priority of the opposition has been to create instability and confusion. “When you are in the opposition — be it Congress, be it NPP or any political party — your priority is to create instability… to create confusion,” he said. “That is the priority of the opposition be it at the national or state level.”
Choosing to be discreet, Tynsong added that the ultimate responsibility of any government is to ensure citizens’ safety.
Meanwhile, United Democratic Party (UDP) president, Metbah Lyngdoh said that the party has, in fact, not received any letter yet. He further ruled out any potential changes to the political structure in the near future.
It should be noted that UDP is the single largest ally in the MDA, with seven members in the legislative assembly.
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