Dr. Mukul Sangma, Meghalaya TMC Parliamentary Party leader, former Chief Minister, and Leader of the Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, has put an end to the ongoing speculation about his return to the Congress.
Speaking to Media on Wednesday, Dr. Sangma criticized the Congress for its alleged alignment with the National People’s Party (NPP) in Meghalaya, describing the party as “directionless.” Dr. Sangma’s remarks indirectly challenged the Congress’s credibility as an opposition force in the state.
The Leader of Opposition in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and TMC Parliamentary Party Leader questioned the growing proximity between the Congress and the NPP, citing their alliance in the District Council as evidence of collaboration. “You are talking about Congress in Meghalaya, which is completely directionless. If they had proper direction, if they had a sense of direction, they would know whether they should associate with NPP or not. They’re speaking something in the public domain, but behind the scenes, they are hand in glove,” he said.
The former Chief Minister expressed discontent with the governance in the state, alleging that the current dispensation is undermining local entrepreneurs. “ There are Modus operandi adopted to slowly displace our own local entrepreneurs, displace our own businessmen and in the process dislocate their livelihood. This is what is happening. Who will fight for this?” he asked.
Dr. Sangma rejected the notion that he needed Congress to continue his political journey or serve the people. “You’re asking me when I should go to Congress? Congress is with them, is it not a fact? Is Congress not with the NPP? I cannot dilute my focus, my determination to serve the people, to build the state in a manner that commensurate my dream and the aspirations of the people,” he stated.
When questioned about whether Congress leader Vincent H. Pala was creating obstacles for his return, Dr. Sangma dismissed the idea of individual influence, emphasizing the broader issues with the party. “It is not the case of an individual. This is not my view. This is not my opinion. It is a complex problem. You are talking about Congress, which is directly and indirectly hand in glove with the same dispensation. So should Dr. Mukul Sangma go? And why should I go? Do I need Congress to serve the people?”
The TMC leader reaffirmed his commitment to serve the people, recalling his beginnings as an independent MLA. “I started my innings as an independent MLA. I don’t have a godfather in politics. I have only the people—people who think the same way, share my ideas, and dare to fight will be with me. I don’t believe in shortcuts. Somebody may say, ‘If Dr. Mukul Sangma goes, it will be easier.’ That is their opinion. Mukul Sangma believes in fighting for the right cause,” he added.