SHILLONG, Feb 23: The TMC, going all out to make a mark in the February 27 polls and form the government in Meghalaya, has ruled out any post-poll pact with either the NPP or the BJP.
TMC state president Charles Pyngrope on Thursday asserted that the party will not align with either the NPP or BJP. “Such a comment is just a figment of imagination and it will not happen under my watch,” said Pyngrope while replying to a query on the likelihood of TMC and BJP aligning together after the polls, as was seen in Manipur.
“But any other like-minded party, which shares the ideology spelt out in our manifesto and our 10 pledges, is most welcome to be a part of a coalition government with emphasis on transparency and accountability,” he said.
The TMC got a foothold in Meghalaya in November 2021 when 12 of 17 Congress MLAs, including former Chief Minister Mukul M Sangma, crossed over. It has campaigned aggressively across the state and has been successful in organising massive rallies.
Pyngrope said the party will strive to fulfil the pledges outlined in its election manifesto if voted to power.
Claiming overwhelming support for the TMC, he said the people feel the party can provide good governance.
He refused to predict the number of seats TMC will win but said the result will be in the party’s favour. “We may form the government,” he said.
Pyngrope said allegations that the TMC is indirectly helping the BJP are baseless as the TMC is the only party that dares to question the BJP.
He also clarified that the TMC is nobody’s B-team. “We are here to fight the divisive forces and will fight the BJP in every state and against any BJP-led government so that things will change for the better. Unfortunately, we couldn’t make it in Goa. We are against the BJP in Tripura and Meghalaya. So, how are we helping them?” he asked.
He insisted there is no prospect for the BJP in Meghalaya. “They claim they are going to get a majority but I see no signs,” he said.
The state TMC chief condemned the pre-poll violence in the state, particularly in Umroi where a woman was provoked and assaulted.
“Violence is not the answer or the means,” he said.
Pyngrope also mentioned that the last few days have been very disturbing for most citizens of Meghalaya after Union Home Minister Amit Shah termed Meghalaya as the most corrupt states in the country.
“The statement coming from a leader who is part of the MDA coalition only indicates that governance has been very dismal to say the least. We are here for the change and we hope people give us full support so that we can work for them,” he added.
