Danggo resigns from Congress

SHILLONG, JUNE 22: A day after he quit as member of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Martin M Danggo has also tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the Indian National Congress (INC).

In his letter to the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Celestine Lyngdoh on Friday, Danggo, who was elected for five times from Ranikor constituency, said “As per the desire of my people, I have tendered my resignation of my seat in the Assembly from Ranikor.”

“Therefore, with deep sorrow and regret in my heart, I am also resigning from my primary membership of Indian National Congress along with all the positions that I am holding in the party till today, with effect from June 21,” he said.

Danggo, a former senior Congress leader also thanked the All India Congress Committee (AICC), MPCC as well as the District Congress Committee, South West Khasi Hills for showering blessings to him during his membership in the party.

“I will definitely cherish all the fond memories, the love and the family spirit during my long association with the INC. Forgive me for hurting you all by my sudden decision,” the leader stated in the letter.

Danggo tendered his resignation to the Assembly’s deputy speaker Timothy D Shira in absence of the Speaker Donkupar Roy on Thursday.

The former MLA is likely to join the National People’s Party (NPP) which is leading the six-party Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

He had announced his decision to join the NPP in a public meeting attended by chief minister Conrad Sangma in his constituency on June 12.

Danggo had said it was the promise made by the chief minister that the government would accord Ranikor the status of a subdivision that prompted his drastic decision.

With his resignation, the opposition Congress has lost its status of “single largest party” in the 60-member House when its strength was reduced from 21 to 20, which is equal to ruling NPP.

The ruling MDA comprises 20 MLAs of NPP, 6 of United Democratic Party (UDP), four of newly-formed People’s Democratic Front (PDF), two each of BJP and Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).

The NCP, with one MLA, and two Independents are also supporting the government.

By Our Reporter