The Hindu : National : Coalition partners back Rymbai

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Saturday, Mar 10, 2007
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Coalition partners back Rymbai

Sushanta Talukdar

Guwahati: The political crisis in Meghalaya took a new turn on Friday night with the three regional coalition partners of the Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) faxing a letter to Congress president Sonia Gandhi opposing frequent changes in the leadership of the coalition Government and also expressing full support to Chief Minister J.D. Rymbai.

The three regional allies — United Democratic Party (UDP), Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP) and the KHNAM — also submitted a letter of support to the Rymbai Government to Governor M.M. Jacob.

The move came after a marathon meeting Mr. Rymbai had with the leaders of the coalition partners at his official residence. Earlier, Mr. Rymbai consulted his loyalists.

Mr. Rymbai declined to divulge anything about what transpired at the meeting, merely telling reporters that they would meet again on Saturday.

Sources said that although Mr. Rymbai was asked by Ms. Gandhi to step down as Chief Minister to pave the way for his predecessor, D.D. Lapang, the Chief Minister decided to wait and watch the reaction of the party high command to the letter faxed by the coalition partners. The budget session of the Meghalaya Assembly begins on Monday.

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