EXCLUSIVE
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Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Vincent H. Pala on Tuesday candidly addressed criticism about his leadership and allegations of an unsatisfactory track record, admitting to past mistakes but emphasizing his willingness to learn and collaborate for the party’s progress.
Talking to Meghalaya News 24, Pala remarked, “Politics is dynamic, it’s not static. Definitely, I am a human being; I might have made mistakes, but those mistakes became history. I learned from them. Maybe those same MLAs who said I was not good will, in the future, assist us and correct me. I am ready to work together with anyone.”
Pala also reflected on the contributions of former Congress leaders such as D.D. Lapang, Charles Pyngrope, and Prestone Tynsong, whom he credited as mentors in his political journey.
“I started politics and contested the MP election from the Shillong Parliamentary seat with Charles Pyngrope’s guidance. I was not supposed to be a candidate for MP, but Bah Charles, Bah Tynsong, and Bah Lapang encouraged me to join the party and contest. When I first became MP, they were a tough group. They remain my friends and respectable figures in society. I always consider them my mentors,” he said.
Further, Pala remarked, “By nature, I am friends with everyone—be it politicians or businessmen. Charles Pyngrope is not just my friend but also my senior.”
Looking ahead, Pala expressed hope to lead the Congress party through the 2028 Assembly elections. “I hope to continue as State Congress Chief until 2028 to properly discharge my duties. The last election was challenging as I was appointed just before the polls, and many members left, which impacted the party significantly. This time, we are taking a measured approach to restructure and reorganize. It takes at least three to four years to develop youth and leaders, and I am confident we will perform better in the MDC elections,” he added.