Shillong, March 7: Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Ronnie V. Lyngdoh on Tuesday said the opposition bench will ensure that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-II government is kept on its toes and works for the interest of the people.

Lyngdoh told reporters that the question of who will be leader of opposition is therefore irrelevant because the three political parties will play the role of a constructive opposition.

The combined strength of the opposition bench is 14 MLAs, of which 5 are from Congress, 5 from All India Trinamool Congress (TMC), and 4 are of Voice of the People Party (VPP).

The Mylliem legislator however said that if one goes by convention then the post of leader of opposition should go to the Congress, being a national party. “But then we will work it out as we are there to provide constructive opposition. If as a constructive opposition we can ensure the state benefits, I think that will serve the purpose,” he stated.

The three opposition parties had tried to form an alternative government with the United Democratic Party, Hill State People’s Democratic Party and People’s Democratic Front but failed after two HSPDP MLAs decided to support the NPP.

Later, the UDP and PDF also extended full support to the Conrad K Sangma-led government.

When asked, Lyngdoh said, “I think they (HSPDP, UDP, PDF) have opted for a better option (of) ‘stability’ for the state.”

“I hope this stability will ensure development and prosperity for the people of the state which is badly required,” he added.

He further urged the new government to take all basic necessities be it health infrastructure, education sector and others into consideration and “ensure in the next five years the state moves forward in every sphere be it in infrastructure, be it in social sector, be it in any sector.”