Shillong, Feb 17: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Thursday hinted that the 5 Congress MLAs could be provided with plump government posts or even cabinet rank for supporting the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government. He also referred to the Congress MLAs as ‘good creams’ and the government is looking to utilize their expertise, which will be made public in few days.

This comes at a time when speculations are rife that the Congress MLAs will be rewarded for supporting the MDA, which is supported by the BJP, and much to the annoyance of Congress high command and its state leadership. There are even rumours of cabinet reshuffle to accommodate atleast one Congress MLA. However, everyone has been tight lipped on this.

“All the five are good, constructive and productive elected representatives – all are good ‘creams’. In few days from now we will also utilize their expertise well in the government,” Tynsong said adding “We need to utilize their services properly as we need their services for the interest of the state.”

He, however, added that only Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma can tell about the exact way the governments will be utilizing the MLAs.

‘Technically they are still Cong MLAs’

On the question of the Congress MLAs’ identity in the Assembly following their suspension by the party, Tynsong, who is also in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs department, said that legally speaking, all the five are still Congress MLAs.

“When suspension is still continuing, they are still Congress MLAs,” he affirmed.

He, however, said if expulsion takes place, the Congress MLAs will immediately become Independent MLAs but they cannot join other political parties.

He further clarified that since they are under suspension, the question of merging does not arise while reacting to speculations that the five Congress MLAs may merge with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) ahead of 2023 Assembly polls.

“They are all elected representatives, they know the rules, they know the act so therefore, the moment the suspension order came out means they are with Congress and they will not move out from the party and they cannot even merge to any party at this present situation,” he said.