Meghalaya: No obstacles to return, Mukul on reports of veteran leaders joining Congress

SHILLONG:

Amid reports of veteran political leaders re-joining the Congress in Meghalaya ahead of the 2023 general elections in the state, senior party leader Dr Mukul Sangma on Monday said individuals hoping to return will face no obstacles, but expressed reservations about the "kind of perception that is being generated with their joining".

"We have our own inherent mechanism to steer through any challenges and difficulties", Sangma said, adding that the interests of the people will take priority.

There have been multiple reports of former Home Minister R.G. Lyngdoh and former Member of Legislative Assembly P.N. Syiem, along with three other veteran leaders, rejoining the Congress ahead of the assembly elections. When asked about the new team that was formed with the appointment of Shillong Member of Parliament Vincent H. Pala as the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) Chief, the leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) refused to comment on the "internal" matter and made a cryptic statement that "Even if I am unhappy, I will not share the same with the media".

The formation of a new team in the MPCC has allegedly caused a rift in the party, with reports of Sangma being sidelined. When asked if he would take up the matter with the All India Congress Committee (AICC), Sangma refused to comment as well. When further probed about heading a new party given the recent developments, Sangma made a dramatic statement that politics is "only meant for those who are committed and baptised by fire". He refused to opine any further on his next step in the party.

On the issue of horse-trading and poaching that has reached its peak among parties in the state, Sangma said that the trend is being seen across the nation, and noted that "despite the aggressive poaching exercise, we have been successful in insulating and protecting our team".

TNT-The Northeast Today is now on WhatsApp: CLICK HERE to receive more updates on your phone.

ALSO READ: Meghalaya Autumn Session: House pays tribute to late MLA SK Sunn