Former Chief Minister and Meghalaya TMC Parliamentary Party leader Dr. Mukul Sangma on Friday unequivocally downplayed the rumors suggesting he might join the BJP or return to the Congress. “I don’t want to join any other political party. I am very happy where I am,” Sangma stated, making it clear that his allegiance to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) remains steadfast.
Dr. Sangma acknowledged the challenges of building a new political party but emphasized the importance of patience and dedication. He praised the TMC’s progress in Meghalaya, despite limited time to establish a new identity, and expressed gratitude towards the supporters who have stood by the party.
“There is no shortcut when you are building a new political party. Obviously, there are challenges associated. Nothing is so easy; there is a price, so patience is required,” The Meghalaya TMC leader said.
The veteran politician highlighted the resilience of his party members, adding, “We must really be grateful to the people who stood by us, even though we had very limited time to go to the people and identify ourselves with the new identity.”*
Predicting the growth of regionalism in Indian politics, Dr. Sangma foresaw a significant shift in the Lok Sabha’s composition.
“In the years to come, there will be more than 200 seats out of the 543 seats in the Lok Sabha that will be with the regional parties,” he added.
“The balance left will be around 300 to 350 seats that will be available for both the National parties both BJP and Congress. Rest will be within the control of the Regional parties who have demonstrated, their strength and resolved to protect their turf and domain and this is good for the country,” he said.
Sangma noted that this development is beneficial for the country, as it strengthens the federal structure of democracy.
Commenting on the recent electoral landscape, the former Chief Minister observed the limitations faced by both the BJP and Congress. ” “The BJP’s march towards crossing the 300 mark was halted by none other than the regional parties across the country. Similarly, the same thing happened to Congress, because of the respective domains where the regional parties have guarded their own turf.”
He concluded that the influence of national parties is being challenged by regional forces across India.
Dr. Sangma also remarked on the changing attitudes within national parties, suggesting a shift away from authoritarian tendencies. “The tendency to have a dictatorial attitude is slowly disappearing. This is good, so it is what is going to happen in the whole country.”