Meghalaya witnessed political turmoil in 2009

Shillong, Dec 25 (PTI) Political instability has been a hallmark of Meghalaya ever since it attained statehood in 1972, and 2009 only reinforced this fact.

The fall of the NCP-led government in March scripted just another chapter in the long history of political instability in Meghalaya.

The 12-month-old NCP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA), which collapsed three days before it was to complete one year in office, was the 20th government the state had in its 36-year history.

The flutter began in mid February when one of the Independent MLAs, supporting the Opposition Congress, switched sides.

Barely 10 days after it won a by-poll to increase its tally in the assembly, the Congress got a shot in arm when two Independents and the lone MLA from a regional party (Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement) switched over to its side from the ruling coalition.