Shillong, Dec 3: Former Chief Minister and TMC leader Mukul Sangma has ruled out rejoining the Congress party, saying the interest of the people of Meghalaya supersedes everything else.
Speaking about his brother Zenith Sangma’s decision to rejoin the Congress, Mukul said, “You are talking about a bitter thing. Now the interest of the people in the state supersedes everything else. It also supersedes the interest of any political party, any political dispensation.”
Mukul emphasized that his decision to leave Congress was conscious and deliberate, stating, “I have taken a very conscious decision, it is not that I have just jumped out not thinking what to do, not having a plan for future.”
He highlighted his commitment to Meghalaya’s development, saying, “I definitely have a scripted chart of paths already scripted for the state of Meghalaya as one of the members who have had the privilege of serving the state in building the state together with other leaders of the state.”
Mukul stressed that protecting Meghalaya’s interests is a collective responsibility, and sometimes requires exploring alternative routes.
Further, the Leader of opposition emphasized that his public life is not a family monopoly.
“Family remains family, but I want to tell you one thing… Once I have decided to be in public life, I do not remain a monopoly of my family members alone,” Mukul said.
He stressed that his work and dedication to public service will speak for itself, adding, “My work over the decades, seen by people, will be a testimony to what I say.”
The former chief minister also expressed confidence that his approach to public life, focused on serving the people rather than personal interests, will prove to be the right one. “I may love my brother, but I have hundreds of thousands of brothers and sisters, nephews, and nieces… that’s the conviction with which I have been working,” he said.
Regarding Zenith’s decision, Mukul stated, “He might have thought his aspirations will be fulfilled if he shifts, but he may be wrong… I will prove it”.
TMC seeks like-minded partners for GHADC polls
Mukul also announced that his party will participate in the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections, inviting interested candidates to apply for the nomination.
“We will be having candidates in the GHADC and those who want to fight as TMC candidates will be invited to apply for the nomination,” Sangma said, adding that the process will begin soon.
Sangma emphasized the importance of rebuilding the GHADC and restoring its pride, stating that the current state of the institution is a concern.
“How GHADC has been reduced to the kind of institution which has given reasons for the people of the state to look at, are these forces who are responsible for the present status of the GHADC have some other intent which is not in sync with the intent of the population,” he said.
He stressed the need for all political parties to understand their responsibility in strengthening the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs), particularly in the context of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
“It is incumbent upon all political parties to understand the responsibility of strengthening the GHADC… the sense of responsibility seems to be eluding that, or eluding us because of absence of it,” Sangma added.
The TMC leader also hinted at potential alliances with like-minded parties, stating that they may collaborate with other parties in all 29 constituencies to achieve their goal of rebuilding the GHADC.
‘NPP-TIPRA Motha alliance not new’
Mukul said that the alliance between Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s National People’s Party (NPP) and Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barma’s party TIPRA Motha is not new and they will continue to work together.
Reacting to a query on the proposed North East front, Sangma said, “It is nothing new, Conrad Sangma and Pradyot have been together already… they are together and I know they will be together.”
He added that the days ahead will reveal many surprises, hinting at shifting political dynamics in the region.
“So they will have their own space, that’s it, as I have said there will be many freelancers the days ahead will speak for itself, you will see for itself, so keep your fingers crossed you can see how political dynamics unfold in the years to come.”
Sangma accused the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government of being installed by the BJP and claimed they are working together. “This government was installed by BJP, so they are part of the BJP… they are together,” he said, suggesting that questions about distancing themselves from the BJP should be directed to them.
Regarding the invitation to join the North East Front, Sangma said, “So far no, I just heard they were talking… it will be like wasting their time.”
