Shillong: In a tactical move, the Congress-led ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) has given a free hand to its constituents to float its own candidates and support anyone for the two Parliamentary seats in the State.

This was decided at an MDA meeting attended by leaders of five constituent parties of the MDA and some independents, which was chaired by Chief Minister D D Lapang last night (Mar 1, 2004). Briefing newsmen later, Lapang said, "After a threadbare, free and frank discussion among ourselves, we have allowed our coalition partners to set up their own candidates and also allow them to support anyone either within or outside the MDA."

Asked if that meant MDA constituents were free to support even a BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) or NCP (National Congress Party) candidate for the polls, the Chief Minister answered in the affirmative saying, "It is allowed for this election. They can support (anyone from outside) and again comeback to the MDA."

Lapang said that the MDA decision of fielding individual candidates was already tested in the two recent hustings bye-election for Laban Assembly constituency and the autonomous district council polls.

In both the cases, the parties, including the MDA partners floated its own candidates but remained united afterwards. "We fought against each other, hurled criticism against each other but remained the same after the poll," the Chief Minister said.