In a dramatic turn of events two parties United Democratic Party (UDP)and People’s Democratic Party (PDF) which has initially refrained from supporting Conrad Sangma led formation has decided to support the same.

UDP and PDF were partner of six party government which ruled Meghalaya since 2018. In this election UDP has won 11 seats. Both the parties have given letter of support.

While protest and arson took place following two MLAs of Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) offering to support Conrad Sangma led National People’s Party (NPP)in formation of the government, Sangma said on saturday that that he is invited by the Governor to take oath on March 7.

NPP leader Timothy D. Shira was sworn as Protem Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly in Raj Bhavan. On Monday MLAs will take oath in the assembly.

Meghalaya’s chief minister and National People’s Party (NPP) leader Conrad Sangma submitted his resignation to Governor Phagu Chauhan and staked claim to form the next government on Friday, amid moves by the Opposition front to keep the NPP and ally BJP at bay.

The NPP has won 26 seats in the recently concluded elections, while BJP has bagged two.

Meanwhile, newly elected MLAs of United Democratic Party (UDP), the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), People’s Democratic Party (PDF) and Voice of the People Party met at the residence of home minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Friday.Two HSPDP MLAs did not attend the opposition meeting. The NPP led formation claims support of two HSPDP MLAs and one independent in the house of 59.

The various pressure groups including along with the residents of Mawthadraishan and Mawshynrut on Saturday resolved to organize a dharna at the residence of the two HSPDP MLAs-Shakliar Warjri and Methodius Dkhar demanding withdrawal of support extended the NPP to form the next government in Meghalaya. They have set a March 7 deadline for them to withdraw support from the NPP led formation.

These organisations, seeking the chief minister from Khasi community, urged upon the family members to request the two HSPDP MLAs to support the alliance which is headed by the regional forces.

As a mark of protest, effigies of Dkhar and Warjri will also be torched. There were also instances of stone pelting. Late on Friday night arson was attempted at the office in Laitumkhrah. Office belongs to Dkhar.

President of the HSPDP KP Pangniang had issued a letter stating that two MLAs seem to be missing. He said they went against the party president’s wish and extended support to the NPP to form the government.

Sangma told media persons on Saturday, “Governor Phagu Chauhan has invited me to form the government. Swearing in will take place in Raj Bhawan on March 7.”

Claiming the support of 32 MLAs, Sangma said, “MLAs will take oath on Monday. We are in talks with other MLAs also.”

Sangma said that such incidents are unprecedented in Meghalaya. “MLAs are elected and the people of the constituency have elected the MLAs. There is a process through which the chief minister is elected and the same can come from any community.”

Sangma stated that all steps are taken to ensure there is no law and order problem.