United we rule: Donkupar Roy (left) with D.D. Lapang Meghalaya: It’s raining chief ministers By Seema Hussain The tiny Meghalaya had 21 governments in 38 years. Just two of them completed their five-year terms. The pine-lined ‘abode of clouds’ has more to boast of. In 1978, a mere six years after formation, the state elected D.D. Pugh chief minister by lottery. In 2001, an Independent legislator, F.A. Khonglam, became CM. And now, there are four people enjoying the chief minister’s rank. D.D. Lapang became chief minister last May. Two others shared his rank—State Planning Board chairman Donkupar Roy and Meghalaya Economic Development Council chairman J.D. Rymbai, both former CMs. As if that was not enough, Lapang offered the same status to friend and state Congress president Friday Lyngdoh on January 28. Lyngdoh will not have executive powers, but will function as “political adviser” to Lapang, according to a government notification. Lyngdoh had the deputy CM rank before the elevation. “Roy and Rymbai are former chief ministers from a different party,” says opposition MLA Manas Choudhuri. “But I see no logic behind the elevation of Lyngdoh.” Congress insiders say it was appeasement. Lyngdoh has of late been voicing grievances of Lapang’s detractors. The Congress has 28 MLAs and the support of 10 from the United Democratic Party in the 60-member Assembly. The main opposition is former Lok Sabha speaker P.A. Sangma’s Nationalist Congress Party with 15 MLAs. At least eight rebel MLAs in the Congress are loyal to Lyngdoh. But the CM-rich government has few takers. “This is a bizarre attempt to ensure the longevity of the Congress government, and will put immense pressure on the state exchequer,” says Kong Norris, a schoolteacher. “Apart from four CMs the state also has a couple of deputy CMs—Mukul Sangma and Bindo Lanong.” Opposition leader Conrad Sangma says “the government is wasting money just to stick to power, and that, too, when the state does not have enough funds to pay salaries of its employees.” Lapang is unfazed. He says more MLAs would be raised to CM rank, if required. His is the third government in the state since the March 2008 elections. Any bets on how long it will last?

David Beckham believes Wayne Rooney is capable of carrying his coruscating form all the way from the San Siro to Soccer City after dismissing fears that the Manchester United forward's star will burn out before the World Cup.

 

Hand it to him: David Beckham has hailed England team-mate Wayne Rooney

Rooney's two goals during United's 3-2 Champions League victory against Beckham's AC Milan on Tuesday ensured a perfect 10 for the 24 year-old so far in 2010 – 10 games, 10 goals.
Sir Alex Ferguson's prime objective is to ensure that Rooney remains in his personal jet stream until a possible Champions League final in Madrid on May 22, yet Fabio Capello must wring another seven weeks of energy and inspiration from him if England are to emerge from Johannesburg's Soccer City on July 11 with the World Cup in their grasp.

 

For both club and country, it all revolves around Rooney. Lose him to injury or fatigue between now and July and hopes of success within Old Trafford and Wembley will plunge through the floorboards.
But while the curse of the metatarsal remains in the lap of the gods, Beckham has no fears over Rooney's ability to last the pace.
The former England captain experienced Rooney's rising confidence at first hand in the San Siro and he fully expects him to prove as destructive for England as he currently is for United.
Beckham said: "Burn out won't be a problem because Wayne is ready for any game.
"It doesn't matter how many games he has played or how many he will be involved in to the end of the season, he will be ready for anything. He can sustain that level until the middle of July, of course he can. He is only 24, so he should be able to!
"He looks after himself and he works hard. The way he plays on the field is the way he plays in training and that is why he is so good.
"Without a doubt, he is one of the best goalscorers in the world and I have always said that about him. If he continues to do that, United will be even more successful than they already are."
Rooney's recent development, particularly over the last two months, has prompted Ferguson to claim that he now belongs alongside the modern-day greats of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Kaka.
The three men have each received the prestigious Ballon d'Or award as European Footballer of the Year during the past three years, plus the World Player of the Year title, and now 'Goldenballs' is tipping Rooney for the Golden Ball.
Beckham said: "I hope he is a contender for the World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or. I would love to see him win every title possible. That is the way I look at Wayne.
"I have seen him from being a young lad. I played in his debut for England and I have watched him score goals week in and week out and scoring at the highest level, too. It is amazing to see.
"He is certainly looked upon as a great player in Italy. That is all the Italian people care about – whether he is doing the right thing and scoring goals. That is what they see. They see him scoring goals and working hard. The Italian people and Milan fans love people who work hard."
Rooney stole Beckham's thunder on a night when the former United midfielder faced his previous employers for the first time and Milan must prevent a repeat of that if they are to overturn their first-leg deficit at Old Trafford on March 10.
Barring an extended stay at Milan beyond the end of this season, the second-leg could be the first and last time that Beckham tackles United on their home turf.
But the 34 year-old remains hopeful that the Italians can overcome Rooney's side and progress to the quarter-finals.
Beckham said: "It doesn't matter whether there is half the game left or two minutes left, United players are brought up to believe they can win even with a minute left. But the tie isn't over.
"We know how difficult it is going to be because nobody goes to Old Trafford and gets given gifts. We are going to have to work hard and play well and if we do that we have a chance.
"Personally, I am motivated any time I come out of any tunnel but it will be a nice night at Old Trafford."