Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Vincent H. Pala has been labeled as “One of the Most Unpopular Leaders” due to the significant exodus of legislators from the Congress since he assumed the role in 2021. Despite this reputation, Pala has defended his leadership, noting that none of these legislators had raised concerns about his leadership while they were still part of the party.
“I think out of 20 legislators who left the party, you can tell me anyone who blamed me, except barring one or two, after they left the party, they blame. So they should have told when inside the party,” Pala stated.
Pala clarified that his position as MPCC President is a nominated one, not elected. He highlighted that during his tenure, which began in 2021, approximately 20 legislators have left the party over the past three years.
Following setbacks in Assembly polls, Pala offered to resign, but the All India Congress Committee (AICC) rejected his resignation. He mentioned that he even considered stepping down after the MP elections, but his offer was again declined by the AICC.
“As soon as I lost the MLA elections, I went to Delhi and I told them I am ready to step down, maybe I should not be a stumbling block. They said no, we should not, if you surrender the party will be thrown like the others. After I lost the MP elections also, along with my team, we went to Delhi offering my resignation which AICC denied,” Pala explained.
Despite these challenges, Pala emphasized that his focus has always been on strengthening the Congress party. He also mentioned that several leaders who left the party are now considering returning, recognizing that there is no party quite like the Congress.
Looking ahead, Pala predicted that many individuals would seek Congress tickets in the 2028 assembly elections, indicating a potential resurgence for the party under his leadership.