Congress has expressed unhappiness over the appointment of four 'chief ministers' in Meghalaya, dubbing it as "relatively unusual", but defended the move citing political instability in the state.

At a media briefing, party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi also said there was only one Chief Minister in Meghalaya and the others had been given same perks and security but not the same decision-making power.

"I agree this is relatively unusual. But it is a small state and has political instability. We hope their (those who have taken the decision) shoulders are broad enough to bear political cost, if any," he said.

The Congress-led government in Meghalaya resorted to a peculiar arrangement with the rank and status of state Congress president Friday Lyngdoh being elevated to that of chief minister even as D D Lapang continues as the CM.

With elevation of Lyngdoh's status, the ruling alliance now has three leaders, apart from Lapang, who enjoyed the status of chief minister. The others are the two leaders of the United Democratic Party -- State Planning Board chairman Donkupar Roy and Meghalaya Economic Development Council chairman J D Rymbai.

Singhvi asserted that there was only one Chief Minister in Meghalaya and there could only be one CM as per the constitution. He said only the rank of CM had been given to others for perks, emoluments and security.

"They (others given the rank of CM) do not have the jurisdiction to take decision of a chief minister. The decision-making is with the CM," he said.