SHILLONG, March 9: Former chief minister and TMC legislator Mukul M. Sangma on Thursday attributed the party’s debacle to the splitting of votes among too many players in the recently concluded polls.
He told reporters that the mandate of the people in the Khasi Hills region reflected what they wanted.
“The overall enthusiasm in the state’s western party conveyed the people’s hunger for change but too many political parties vying for the same space played spoilsport,” Sangma said.
The TMC managed only five out of the 56 seats it contested despite a high-pitch campaign with emphasis on the Garo Hills.
Sangma also blamed the election outcome on the use of money and muscle power.
“As long as money and muscle are used, good people will find it difficult to enter politics or will not choose to be in active politics,” he said.
“We have to be cautious because the people should be governed by those who deserve to be at the helm of affairs,” he said, appreciating the people of Khasi Hills for not letting money talk while electing their representatives.
Sangma took a swipe at the BJP for showing a lack of conscience by deciding to support the NPP despite adopting a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.
“They were so vocal on the issue of corruption but compromised as soon as they realised that they do not have the numbers,” he said, reminding the BJP of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise to the people to not tolerate corruption “come what may”.
