Shillong, August 30: Dr Mukul Sangma, Leader of the Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and TMC Parliamentary Party Leader, has urged all three opposition parties in the state to come together and strengthen their collective influence in the Assembly.
Addressing the media on Friday, Dr Sangma highlighted the challenges faced by the opposition, given that their combined strength is limited to just 10 legislators. He emphasized the importance of unity among the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Congress, and the Voice of the People Party (VPP) to effectively address key issues under the Assembly’s rules of procedure.
“In a situation where you have a fractured mandate, it’s crucial that the opposition parties come together. Since the mandate has placed us in opposition, we must fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to us by the people,” said Dr Sangma.
He further stressed the importance of collaboration to amplify the opposition’s voice, particularly in matters that require a significant number of legislators to be addressed in the Assembly. “When we take up issues, numbers become crucial. The rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Assembly require a certain number of legislators for certain issues to be considered. Without unity, we risk being ineffective.”
Dr Sangma also pointed out the necessity of keeping the state’s and the people’s interests above political divisions. “Our priority must be the issues confronting the people and the state as a whole. Nothing else should supersede these interests. That’s how democracy operates, and that’s how we can generate a positive perception about our system of governance.”
The former Chief Minister’s call for a cohesive opposition comes at a time when the state’s political landscape is marked by fragmentation, making it increasingly difficult for the opposition to present a cohesive front against the ruling coalition.