Meghalaya Seen Slipping Out Of Congress Hands As BJP Rallies Parties

Shillong : Meghalaya appeared to be slipping through the Congress’ fingers on Sunday afternoon after the United Democratic Party announced its support to the National People’s Party (NPP), the regional party that won 19 seats and is supported by the BJP as well. Outgoing Chief Minister Mukul Sangma and the BJP’s master strategist Himanta Biswa Sarma rushed to meet Dr Donkupar Roy, president of the UDP whose six legislators are seen crucial for any coalition to form the next government.

Both reached Dr Roy’s house around the same time.

Mr Sangma is learnt to have attempted to persuade the UDP president to change his stand on support to the NPP which is part of BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the centre. The NPP had contested the assembly election on its own but its claim to power is being actively supported by the BJP which wants to keep the Congress out.

Long after Mr Sangma left, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the BJP’s master strategist for the Northeastern states, was closeted at a meeting with Dr Roy.