TURA:
Battle lines have been drawn for Saturday’s floor test by the two opposing groups- the ruling NPP against a resurgent opposition All India Trinamool Congress– as they clash head on to see who has the numbers to run the oldest autonomous body in the Garo Hills.
The frequent switching of loyalties by members from either side in the absence of any anti-defection law in the council has put all MDCs on the edge and spiced up the contest for a grand finale.
Although both, the NPP alliance and the opposition Trinamool, claim to have the numbers on their side, yet, none are too sure where they may ultimately end up.
Both parties are keeping their cards close to their chest and keeping their MDC flock in their respective “safe houses”.
Both the parties held a series of meetings through Thursday and Friday as they chalk out strategies to come out on top in the political battle for the district council.
As things stand, in the run up to the trust motion, the ruling NPP alliance has lost its own Chief Executive Member Benedic Marak and another Executive Member, Dhormonath Sangma, to the opposition camp.
From 11 MDCs, the NPP is now down to nine.
Similar scenario has been witnessed in the opposition camp, where the numbers have dropped from 12 to 9 after the exit of three MDCs– Ashahel D Shira to UDP and Stevie Marak and Habibuz Zaman to the NPP.
The backing of the two BJP MDCs, Promod Koch and Bernard Marak, to whichever party they endorse will play a crucial part, and as things stand today, neither are giving any leeway to the NPP.
Koch is said to be comfortably seated in the rebel CEM’s camp.
However, three Independent MDCs are currently backing the NPP alliance together with the lone Garo National Council MDC and Deputy CEM Nikman Ch Marak are giving a wafer thin edge against the opposition camp.
This leaves the three rebel MDCs, who moved out of the opposition camp and are currently leaning towards the ruling side. Their vote will be the most crucial and can turn the tide in favour of whosoever they decide to endorse.
No Secret Ballot
The floor test will not be conducted through secret ballot and will instead be through a voice vote or raising of hand, informed GHADC Chairman Rakesh A Sangma while speaking to The Meghalayan on Friday.
“The floor test will be held by show of hand or a voice vote,” confirmed Sangma.
This is the first no-confidence motion against a CEM taking place since the formation of the new Executive Committee after council elections last year.
It is also the first time in recent history that a no-confidence has been moved against the Executive Head (CEM) by his own MDCs. It is also probably the only time that a beleaguered council CEM has been compelled to seek the opposition hand to remain in power.