Congress is united in Meghalaya: AICC leader Luhinzo Falerio

AICC general secretary Luhinzo Falerio, who is in charge of Meghalaya, today claimed the party is united in the state and differences among leaders were issues of the past.

Falerio, who arrived here in the wake of reported infighting among party leaders, held a meeting of the Pradesh Congress Committee. "I am not only happy but am inspired by the party workers' suggestions... At the end of the meeting, one thing is very clear that this organisation is united and much disciplined," he told reporters.

Senior leaders led by MPCC president DD Lapang and former chief minister Salseng C Marak have openly launched a campaign to oust the incumbent leader of the CLP Mukul Sangma. The dissident group had also met the AICC president recently. 

Asked about the demand for change in leadership, he said, "Finally, I am not the authority. It is the Congress president who is supreme leader to take the final decision." "I am here because Congress president Sonia Gandhi wants me here. It is my duty as the general secretary in charge to meet everybody, to hear their grievances and problems (if there are any) and to see that these problems are settled," Falerio said. "We have got excellence democratic mechanism to sort out problems," he said, adding "it is the sacred duty of both the party and the government to work hand in hand".

To a question, the AICC leader said, "In Manipur long ago there used to be differences, but today the PCC president and Chief Minister in Manipur are working together like husband and wife."

Asked whether he expects the same to happen in Meghalaya, Falerio laughed and said, "I don't really know. I cannot say anything on this."