Conrad stakes claim to form Meghalaya govt with list of 32

Guwahati: NPP president and caretaker Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma Friday staked claim to form the next government in the hill state, handing governor Phagu Chauhan a list of 32 MLAs that include two from a regional party whose chief caused a flutter hours later by formally disowning the duo's move.
"We have an absolute majority with 32 MLAs. BJP has already extended its support. We have submitted the letters of support to the governor," Conrad said, mentioning his NPP's 26 legislators, two each from BJP and the Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP), and as many Independents.
Just when it seemed the expected troubles in government formation after a hung verdict were waning, HSPDP president K P Pangniang shot off a letter to Conrad saying the party never authorised its newly elected MLAs Methodius Dkhar (Mawshynrut) and Shakliar Warjri (Mawthadraishan) to support an NPP-led government.
"The party has no role in this affair and, thereby, withdraws support...Kindly act immediately that the party's withdrawal of support stands effective from today, March 3," Pangniang said, marking a copy to Raj Bhavan. HSPDP is among the North-East's oldest surviving regional parties, having been formed in 1968, four years before Meghalaya got statehood. Conrad is likely to be sworn in for a second successive term on March 7 at an event attended by both PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah, sources said.
Even if HSPDP prevents its two MLAs from joining the coalition, Conrad's majority will be intact with 30 members in the current House of 59. The election to one seat was countermanded due to a candidate's death.