Shillong, Mar 14 : The Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) though reduced to a minority after resignation of three legislators would not fall, senior NCP leader P A Sangma said today and hinted that a coalition government with Congress, NCP and UDP was in the offing.

The former Lok Sabha Speaker asserted that the MPA would survive a trial of strength on the floor of the assembly on March 17.

"I can confidently say that the MPA will prove its majority on the floor of the House," Sangma said, adding he would call on Governor R S Mooshahary on Saturday.

Congress has lots of veteran and experienced leaders, who perhaps are thinking that their talent is being wasted," Sangma, the architect of the non-Congress MPA, told reporters at his residence.

He said he was not averse to a coalition government in the state involving the Congress and NCP, provided it also included the regional party UDP.

"I am prepared for any arrangement for the sake of stability and development in the state," Sangma, the architect of the non-Congress MPA, said.

Pointing out that MPA legislators including two Independents had deserted it triggering the present political crisis, Sangma said "If Independent MLAs can hold the state to ransom, it does give us food for thought." MORE