New Delhi: Can a state have two Chief
Ministers?
This question was raised by a BJP member in the Lok Sabha
during Zero Hour Monday.
Citing reports, Kirit Solanki said the situation arising
out of a state having two Chief Ministers was "unprecedented"
and also "unconstitutional."
Most of Solanki's contention was drowned in the din caused
by his own party members over riots in Bareilly.
He was heard suggesting that the arrangement speaks of
'politics of convenience' of the ruling Congress in the state.
Reports had suggested that the Congress-led coalition in
Meghalaya had this peculiar arrangement after the rank and
status of Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president
Friday Lyngdoh was elevated to that of chief minister this
January.
An official notification said, "The rank and status of
Lyngdoh has been upgraded from that of deputy chief minister
to that of chief minister. He shall continue to function as
political advisor to the Chief Minister."
Lyngdoh earlier enjoyed the rank and status of a deputy
chief minister. Veteran Congress leader D D Lapang had assumed
office as chief minister on May 13 last.
Two other leaders of the United Democratic Party -- State
Planning Board chairman Donkupar Roy and Meghalaya Economic
Development Council chairman J D Rymbai -- too enjoyed the
Chief Minister's status.
All the three now enjoy the pay, perks and other
facilities of a chief minister. However, except Lapang the
others do not have any constitutional power.
PTI
First Published: Monday, March 15, 2010, 15:38