The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Vincent H Pala has addressed concerns raised by party leaders urging the Congress to withdraw its alliance with the National People’s Party (NPP) in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
Addressing the media on Friday, Pala explained that the Congress chose to cooperate with the NPP in the KHADC after the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the NPP agreed to work together. He highlighted that failing to cooperate would have led to the imposition of an Administrator Rule in the KHADC, which he believes would have negatively impacted the people.
Another key reason for the Congress-NPP collaboration, Pala stated, was the need for the Congress to participate in the ongoing discussions on the Sixth Schedule amendment. According to Pala, being part of the Executive Committee (EC)
allows the party to influence decisions on whether to support or reject the proposed amendments.
“The decision to cooperate with the NPP in KHADC was based on the need to have a say in matters that affect the people, especially regarding the Sixth Schedule,” Pala said.
He stressed that the Congress is not solely focused on winning or losing elections but prioritizes the greater good of the nation. “If the party can protect the interests of the people, that is what matters most,” he added.
The alliance between the Congress and NPP in the KHADC has drawn criticism, especially as the Congress remains in opposition in the state government. Currently, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, MLA from Mylliem, is the sole Congress representative in the Legislative Assembly after three other MLAs defected from the party.
