The All India Congress Committee (AICC) on Monday approved suspension of five congress mlas in Meghalaya for supporting BJP supported Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government by keeping the central and state leaders in the dark.

Meghalaya pradesh congress committee had earlier recommended suspension of these mlas.

A senior congress leader in Meghalaya who do not want to be named said, “Along with the suspension order, show-cause notices would be served to them for their response within ten days as to whether they would come out of the government or remain part of it. ”

The act of five MLAS according to MPCC did not have approval of MPCC or AICC. BJP is a partner in the six party led MDA coalition.

On February 8 five MLAs include– Ampareen Lyngdoh, Kimfa Marbaniang, Mayralborn Syiem, PT Sawkmie and Mohendro Rapsang joined the MDA coalition.

Couple of these leaders have clarified that they are not rubber stamps and this decision was in the larger interest of the state and party.

BJP has miffed and alleged that Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma did not consult BJP before admitting the five MLAS in the coalition.

Congress Legislature Party leader Ampareen Lyngdoh held a meeting with the MLAs and Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma on February 8.

In a letter to the chief minister she said, “We the undersigned MLAs of the Indian national congress have decided to join the MDA government today the 8th February 2022. We wish to support you and MDA to strengthen the government’s arms and decision making so as to ensure that our joint efforts will take the state forward in the general interest of its citizens.”

On December 18 last year Congress party to counter Trinamool Congress(TMC) in Meghalaya after several MLAs of the party joined TMC had offered full support to the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).

In November last year led by former chief minister Mukul Sangma, 12 out of the 17 Congress MLAs had submitted a letter to the speaker, announcing their merger with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress.

After the decision to include Congress MLAs, The BJP expressed “disappointment”. “The tiger and a deer cannot drink water from the same river so be with the BJP and Congress too cannot work together,” Ernest Mawrie, the President of Meghalaya BJP State Unit, told reporters.

Mawrie said the decision of the Congress joining the MDA government was taken by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who is also the President of the National People’s Party.

“This initiative has come as a surprise to us as there were no discussions held on the matter. We will hold discussions on it and also apprise our central leadership and then we would make a decision,” he said.