Shillong:
Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang is on the offensive after his decision to elevate his deputy to the rank of the Chief Minister came under sharp criticism. (
Read: Meghalaya: One state, many chief ministers)
"This is not the first instance, in Meghalaya we have adopted this 15 years ago. If circumstances demand we will do more," said D D Lapang, CM, Meghalaya.
This is the sixth time in fifteen years that political heavyweights have been given ranks of Chief Ministers in Meghalaya, a rather unusual precedent.
Seven months into power, this government has already elevated three MLAs to the rank of Chief Ministers. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Purno Sangma also enjoyed this status though his son and now the leader of the opposition is critical of the move.
"They are trying to please people a little too much this time which reflects that there is some sort of fraction within the Congress," said Conrad Sangma, Leader of Opposition, NCP.
The man in question Dr Friday Lyndoh says this is nothing beyond just a recognition.
"We are not constitutional chief ministers. We have been given just the rank. Perhaps by giving me this elevation is recognition of my services to people and party," said Friday Lyndoh, Deputy CM.
But people are angry with this political extravagance. Raising their status comes at a price which is a burden on the exchequer. (
Read: Congress on defensive over Meghlaya's four 'chief ministers')
"The public are disgusted there is no doubt about it. They have been tolerating these political shenanigans for too long and I think there will be a very strong protest from some NGOs," said Patricia Mukhim, columnist.
The paradox of power is that power begins controlling those who are in it and in Meghalaya politics, it is this sense of power and authority that comes before governance.