Deborah C. Marak, Working President of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee, outlined the party’s strategy for revitalizing its presence in Garo Hills following significant setbacks and the challenges faced by the party in Garo Hills following the departure of Dr. Mukul Sangma and his supporters.
She explained that the Congress defeat in the Gambegre elections was partly due to a triangular contest, where the party’s votes were split between Congress and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Had the votes of both parties been combined, Marak admitted, Congress could have secured a victory. She further explained that the rise of TMC in Garo Hills had eroded Congress’s support, dividing the votes and benefitting the NPP.
Talking about the vacuums left with the departure of Dr. Mukul Sangma along with his leaders from Congress, Deborah said, “Gambegre election, the one of the reason for the congress defeat is our fight was triangular fight, you all know that very well, congress votes split into two, congress and TMC vote added we would have won, I do admit, now new party has come in Garo Hills in the name of TMC and our congress vote is so much eroded toward the TMC party , thats why our votes get divided and we always need to fight triangular now a days, therefore NPP is getting the advantage.”
Marak emphasized that the decision to bring back former leaders into the party would require approval from the Congress high command. She clarified that the central leadership would make the final call regarding the rejoining of any leaders, including ex-MLAs.
Looking ahead, Marak expressed confidence in the party’s efforts to rebuild in Garo Hills. She announced that several political leaders from different parties are set to join Congress on December 2, marking a step forward in strengthening the party’s position in the region. Despite the setback of not having an MLA in Garo Hills at present, Marak affirmed that the Congress party is well-organized and committed to starting from scratch to revive and reorganize.
“Congress party is well-organized in Garo Hills,” she said adding, “At the moment, we don’t have any MLA in Garo Hills, but we will work hard to revive the party and organize it.”
When asked about the party’s limited representation in the Assembly, with only one Congress MLA, Marak acknowledged the challenge but reaffirmed the need to work diligently to revamp the party. “Yes, I do agree. We have only one Congress MLA at the moment. We need to start from scratch and work very hard to revamp the party,” she stated.
Marak also noted that many leaders are interested in returning to the Congress fold. “Congress’s door is open to all,” she said, adding that the party remains the oldest and one of the largest and most organized in the country. She also hinted that Charles Pyngrope, who has been a key figure in the state’s political landscape, may join Congress towards the end of his term. “Whoever wants to join Congress, our door is open for all,” she concluded.