Meghalaya ruling alliance ropes in another MLA, consolidates position

The NCP-led ruling Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) coalition Government got a shot in the arm on Friday with Independent legislator Ismail R Marak joining the three-month-old Government. He was sworn in as Parliamentary Secretary—equivalent to Minister of State—by Chief Minister Donkupar Roy on Friday afternoon.

Marak was the transport minister in the nine-day-old Congress-led minority Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) government before it was dislodged and had to sit in the Opposition. Now, with him joining the MPA Government, the strength of the NCP-led coalition has shot up to 33 legislators in a 60-member Assembly.

With 15 legislators to begin with, the NCP cobbled up numbers for the MPA with 11 United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators, two from the Hills State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), one each from the Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) and BJP and two Independent legislators.

Speaking to reporters after he was sworn in, Marak said: “I have joined the MPA for a better tomorrow and to get more benefits for the people.” With him deserting the Congress camp, the strength of the MUA has now depleted to 27 legislators. Roy said: “We expect all the Independent MLAs to join the MPA. We also welcome Congress MLAs.”