As former Meghalaya Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Mukul M. Sangma contemplates his next party affiliation, political circles in the state are abuzz amid the political leader reportedly opening channels of communication with “multiple” parties in the state. Sources said Sangma has been in communication with political parties in the state even as the names of these parties remain unconfirmed. Apparently, the disconnect between the seven-time MLA from Songsak and Trinamool Congress (TMC) central leadership in Kolkata has deepened. Insiders say the disconnect deepened after TMC’s poor performance in the 2023 Assembly polls, bagging only five seats, and the national leadership’s growing disengagement from the Northeast unit.
TMC sources have confirmed that the central leadership has distanced itself from Meghalaya, leaving the state unit in limbo. Moreover, Mukul himself hinted at disillusionment earlier this year, stating that the national party tags have adversely affected regional leaders in small states. However, the major trigger appears to be personal with Mukul’s younger brother, Zenith M. Sangma, recently defecting from TMC back to Congress, a move said to have left the former Chief Minister unhappy. Notably, family dynamics have always influenced the Garo Hills politics, where the Sangma clan remains a dominant force. It may be recalled that Mukul had quit Congress on a bitter note in November 2021, but its roots trace back to 2019, when the party’s high command sidelined him and appointed Vincent H. Pala as Meghalaya PCC president.
Now, while Congress is looking forward to a revival ahead of the 2028 polls, murmurs of reconciliation have grown even as many state leaders are wary of Mukul’s “bitter rivalry” with Tura MP Saleng A. Sangma. Although any formal announcement does not look a possibility as of now, speculations in the political corridors are rife with speculations, given the options the former Chief Minister has — a return to the Congress, floating a new regional party or even accepting a parliamentary position from the ruling National People’s Party. For now though, Mukul is keeping his cards close to his chest.