SHILLONG, July 6: All India Trinamool Congress MLA from Mawsynram HM Shangpliang’s attendance at the interactive session of the state legislators and National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Presidential candidate Droupadi Murmu has raised many eyebrows, as the AITC leadership has time and again expressed stiff opposition against Murmu’s candidature.
However, Shangpliang took a strong stand for himself as speculations ran rife over his presence at the programme.
“I have come here on an invitation across party lines. Many other MLAs from different parties have also been invited today and I have not come on behalf of the TMC, I have come as an individual and respecting the sentiments of tribal identity of a women who has been nominated to the highest post of the country,” said Shangpliang.
Talking about Murmu’s candidature, the AITC ML said it will be an honour for a tribal woman to take the highest constitutional post.
The TMC at the Centre is supporting opposition candidate Yashwant Sinha, who will be locking horns with Murmu for the post.
Asked if his presence could be perceived differently, Shangpliang said, “I have no comments on that it is up to you how you interpret who I would vote for. But I have come to pay my respects to the Presidential candidate and it was an honour meeting her.”
Shangpliang refused to comment on AITC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee’s recent statement that the party does not believe in “token representation” with regard to the Presidential election.
Earlier, four AITC MLAs had skipped a programme attended by Abhishek Banerjee recently which added fuel to speculations that some of the AITC legislators are jumping ship ahead of the crucial assembly polls in 2023.
The four MLAs include Himalaya M Shangpliang, Shitlang Pale, Jimmy D Sangma and Marthon J Sangma.
