Only one CM in Meghalaya, other three only got the rank: Cong

NEW DELHI: Congress today expressed unhappiness over the arrangement of four leaders enjoying rank and status of chief minister in Meghalaya, dubbing it as "relatively unusual", but defended the move citing political instability in the state.

At a media briefing, party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi also said there is only one Chief Minister in Meghalaya and the others have been given same perks and security but not the same decision-making power.

"I agree this is relatively unusual. But it is a small state and has political instability. We hope their (those who have taken the decision) shoulders are broad enough to bear political cost, if any," he said.

The Congress-led government in Meghalaya resorted to a peculiar arrangement with the rank and status of Pradesh Congress Committee president Friday Lyngdoh being elevated to that of chief minister even as D D Lapang continues as the CM.

With elevation of Lyngdoh's status, the ruling alliance now has three leaders, apart from Lapang, who enjoyed the status of chief minister. The others are the two leaders of the United Democratic Party -- State Planning Board chairman Donkupar Roy and Meghalaya Economic Development Council chairman J D Rymbai.

Singhvi asserted that there was only one Chief Minister in Meghalaya and there can only be one CM as per the Constitution. He said only the rank of CM has been given to others for perks, emoluments and security.

"They (others given the rank of CM) do not have the jurisdiction to take decision of a Chief Minister. The decision-making is with the CM," he said.