SHILLONG: Mukul Sangma may survive the dissidents’ move to topple him, at least for the time being, thanks to the “poor show” by the Congress in the recent assembly elections in four states and one union territory.
According to top party functionaries in the State, the AICC is not in favour of bringing a change at the moment considering the poor show of the party in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Sources said, the party is even not satisfied with its performance in West Bengal where its ally Trinamool Congress, of course, emerged victorious ending the 34-year rule by Left parties in the State.
In Kerala too, the Congress-led coalition won by a slim margin, the party functionaries said, adding, the party’s victory was convincing only in Assam.
“Besides, most of our candidates were badly defeated in the bye-elections held in several states,” they said. Three-time former chief minister of Nagaland SC Jamir was among those who lost the by-polls.
The veteran Congressman, who contested from Aonglenden assembly constituency in Mokokchung district was humbled by Naga People’s Front’s (NPF) Toshipokba.
With the current mood in the AICC following the unsatisfactory performance, Mukul Sangma is likely to continue in power with the high command blessings despite the growing demand for a change of leadership.
If there is any change of leadership at the moment, the party sources said, the high command understands it would have a negative impact in the State since “everyone is fed up with the political rumblings in the Congress”.
The opinion of AICC general secretary in-charge of Meghalaya, Dhani Ram Shandil and his deputy, Sanjay Bapna against any change of leadership is also supported by the AICC top brass in Delhi, sources claimed.
The dissident MLAs numbering 18 had met several AICC leaders in Delhi and apprised them of the “need for change of leadership” due to the “autocratic style” of functioning of the Chief Minister.
“However, the AICC’s wish is to see Mukul Sangma carry on till the end of his term,” the party sources claimed.
The administration in the State capital had come to a standstill for nearly a month as most of the Congress leaders including the Chief Minister and the dissident leader DD Lapang were camping in New Delhi for prolonged period trying to convince the AICC in their favour.
Meanwhile, there are reports about a possible Cabinet reshuffle to appease the ministers, who had already joined the oust-Mukul bandwagon.
When asked for his comment on Cabinet reshuffle, Sangma said, “I have been told by the AICC to study the ground reality.”
However, a senior Congress legislator said the grievances cannot be solved with a mere Cabinet reshuffle. The dissidents indicated that they would intensify the demand for change of leadership and even threatened to resign from their respective posts.