By Our Editor
The race to Meghalaya Secretariat is gaining momentum with different political parties, especially major players trying to out-manoeuvre each other and nudging the weak out by whatever means possible. As in every competition, success favours those who are strong and persevere till the end. Until towards the end of last year the Grand Old Party (GOP) was regarded as a viable opponent to the NPP(Nationalist People’s Party) – led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government in the state in the forthcoming general elections to be held in early 2023. But the Indian National Congress (INC) suddenly and unexpectedly received jolt from the blues with the exit of 12 of its legislators under the leadership of Dr. Mukul Sangma, Opposition Leader, and thus receded into the background. As if adding salt to the wounds, the remaining five also left the GOP within few months with not a single MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) left in its kitty, the first time in Congress history of the state since its inception on January 21, 1972.
The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) party comprising the 12 breakaway faction led by Dr. Mukul Sangma is now the recognised opposition party which right from day one itself emerged formidable challenger. AITC does not mince its words nor bats an eyelid whenever it gets an opportunity of striking at the ruling alliance though at times contradicting itself and seems to suffer from amnesia that they were in power for many years before. Buoyed by party workers and supporters who flock to the new party and charmed by Dr. Sangma’s leadership in Garo Hills sector AITC nurtures high hope of forming government next year. Fight between the two Sangmas is becoming more and more aggressive as the days pass by and verbal duel will continue with greater intensity in days to come. However, high decibels of protest from AITC will surely come down after exposure of Rs 120-crore School Service Commission (SSC) scam against Partha Chatterjee, AITC secretary general and Minister for Industries, West Bengal. Meanwhile, five Congress legislators who left the GOP are not returning back but are in contact with suitable alternatives. Consequently, MPCC (Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee) President Vincent H. Pala is faced with an insurmountable task of reorganising the party and retaining its old glory.
Among regional parties, United Democratic Party (UDP) with its sizeable number of elected representatives and grassroot supporters especially in the Khasi Jaintia Hills segment is still a force to reckon with and though it is a major partner of MDA coalition yet it does not hesitate to challenge its big brother NPP in some assembly constituencies. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has two MLAs and part of the coalition. Other coalition partners of the MDA like HSPDP (Hill State People’s Democratic Party) with two MLAs and PDF (Progressive Democratic Front) with four MLAs while KHNAM (Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement) with solitary MLA who will shift allegiance are of not much consequences. As it evidently appears NPP at present still stands tall and will probably emerge taller in years to come according to top leaders’ claim.