Shillong March 07: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Saturday slammed the opposition Congress for spreading rumour that there is no unanimity within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) on the election to the lone Rajya Sabha seat.

National People’s Party (NPP) state president Dr Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi was recently announced as the candidate after his name was recommended by the MDA’s sub-committee headed by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong.

To a question that the United Democratic Party (UDP) is very keen to field former Nongthymmai legislator and general secretary of the party, Jemino Mawthoh, Sangma told reporters that these are rumours which are being spread by the opposition.

He said the UDP and the MDA as a whole is firm in the candidature of Dr Kharlukhi.

“There were multiple discussions that took place at different level and decision has already been taken in the meeting in which we decided on the consensus candidate for Rajya Sabha election. Dr Mawthoh was also present in those meetings,” Sangma said.

He further informed that the People Democratic Front (PDF) was also present when the announcement was made. “There is no truth in any of these rumours. The MDA and all coalition partners are firm on the candidature of Dr Kharlukhi,” the chief minister reiterated.

“It is very important to note that we have always encouraged healthy discussion within the MDA. The NPP has never tried to bulldoze on any kind of decision. It is for this reason we took almost a week in consultation. The decision on Dr Kharlukhi’s candidature was taken after a week of consultation. We took everybody points including PDF and Dr Jemino Mawthoh. It was also in the best interest of the MDA,” he further added.

To another question, the chief minister said that the Congress are confused and it is sad to see that they are looking into another party to find the candidature.

“It clearly reflects the kind of mindset and current status of the Congress. It is very sad that the Congress could not find its own person (candidate),” Sangma said.