Shillong, Aug 16: Amid speculations that atleast three Congress MLAs are planning to switch over to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) soon, the grand old party on Friday suspected two of its MLAs over anti-party activities.
Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) General Secretary, Wansuk Syiem, on Friday issued the letters of suspension to Nongstoin MLA Gabriel Wahlang and Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, handing them a 6-six suspension from the party with immediate effect for anti-party activities.
Syiem said the party’s decision is based on recent reports from the Block Committee and Frontal Organization, which indicated their association with the MDA Government.
“Such actions are in direct conflict with the party’s ideologies and principles, necessitating this disciplinary measure,” she added.
Of late, speculations have been rife of three MLAs of Cognress planning to switch their allegiance to NPP, just ahead of the Gambegre bye-poll, with the third name being Umsning MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh.
However, Dr Celestine Lyngdoh was present at the MPCC meeting on Friday, after which the decision to suspend the two MLAs was announced.
Congress won 5 seats in 2023 Meghalaya Assembly polls, however its number reduced to four after Gambegre MLA Saleng A. Sangma won the Tura MP seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Meanwhile, Congress sources said that the party will decide on the matter later.
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.”