Challenges and the way forward
By Divesh Ranjan
The Indian National Congress (INC) in Meghalaya has endured a tumultuous political journey since 2021. In a significant blow, all 17 of its MLAs defected to other parties—including the Trinamool Congress (TMC), the National People’s Party (NPP), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—ahead of the 2023 Assembly elections. However, INC made a surprising comeback, securing five MLA seats with a 13.71% vote share and later winning the Tura parliamentary seat with an impressive 56.96% vote share. This resurgence underscores two key aspects: the party’s resilience in the state and the presence of a committed voter base that remains ideologically aligned with the Congress.
Despite this revival, INC suffered another setback in August 2024 when three of its MLAs defected to the NPP. This significantly weakened the party’s presence, particularly in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), where it now holds no representation. Currently, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, representing Mylliem, is the party’s sole MLA in the state assembly.
To regain lost ground, INC must critically assess the reasons behind its recurring setbacks and its failure in the District Council elections. Strategic planning based on this evaluation is crucial for future electoral success. The party’s instability—exacerbated by frequent defections, often engineered by rival parties—aligns with the BJP’s broader “Congress Mukt Bharat” agenda. Moreover, INC has been vulnerable to what appears to be a coordinated pseudo-attack. Initially, TMC aggressively expanded into states like Meghalaya, Tripura, Goa, Assam, and Bihar, drawing away INC leaders and voters. However, TMC’s sudden withdrawal from these regions suggests that its true objective was not genuine expansion but rather weakening the Congress.
Despite the BJP’s consistent push to dismantle INC’s influence, the party failed to anticipate and counter indirect or disguised attacks. The leadership crisis in Meghalaya remains unresolved, further undermining its political standing. Without internal restructuring and strategic foresight, INC risks further marginalization in the state’s political landscape.
Leadership Crisis: The Lingering Divide
The Indian National Congress in Meghalaya has been plagued by internal discord, particularly the unresolved rift between Mukul Sangma and Vincent Pala, which ultimately led to the party’s split. This disunity among senior leaders has eroded party cohesion. Since Pala assumed leadership as state president, the party’s decline has continued, with public trust in his leadership steadily diminishing. His 2023 Assembly election defeat from Sutnga Saipung by 2,108 votes highlights his waning influence. Despite his efforts to revive the party, the decline has unfolded under his tenure, making accountability essential.
The central leadership must conduct an impartial assessment of the party’s condition in Meghalaya and implement necessary reforms before setbacks become irreversible. To rebuild its presence, INC must prioritize leadership change and promote young, dynamic leaders who can engage with the electorate. The party has competent figures who can help reestablish its relevance and drive growth.
Why INC Failed in the District Council Elections
The INC’s poor performance in the KHADC elections signals a broader issue—Khasi Hills voters were unconvinced by the party’s current leadership. A critical misstep occurred in June 2023 when Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, as Leader of the Opposition, led INC in supporting the NPP during the vote for the Chief of the Executive Committee in the KHADC. Instead of aligning with the United Democratic Party (UDP) or maintaining neutrality, INC’s decision to back the NPP blurred party distinctions, pushing voters toward the Voice of the People Party (VPP).
This move sent a strong message to the electorate—that there was little difference between INC and NPP. As a result, voters began questioning why they should support INC when the party itself was aligning with its rival. This perception shift led to a significant voter migration to the VPP. INC failed to recognize the loyalty of its core supporters, many of whom strongly opposed the NPP. By playing a contradictory role—acting as the opposition in the Assembly while supporting the ruling party in the District Council—the Congress compromised its credibility and lost public trust.
This strategic blunder was compounded by other factors, including internal weaknesses, delayed candidate selection, lack of grassroots mobilization, and an inability to counter the leadership crisis. As a result, INC has lost its presence in the KHADC, further diminishing its influence in the region.
The Way Forward for INC
To rejuvenate itself in Meghalaya, the Indian National Congress (INC) must appoint a new state president who embodies fresh energy and a clear vision. The party requires dynamic and outspoken leaders capable of engaging the electorate while being guided by experienced figures like Pala. A strong grassroots movement is crucial to reconnect with voters, complemented by comprehensive structural reforms at every level of the organization.
Meghalaya’s electorate has not entirely abandoned the INC; their shift to the VPP was driven more by necessity than allegiance. With the right leadership and strategic direction, the Congress can reclaim its position as a party of balance, development, and inclusivity. As the influence of money power in Meghalaya’s politics diminishes and voter awareness grows, the INC has a prime opportunity to stage a comeback through a well-crafted and strategic approach.
Despite recent setbacks, the road to recovery remains open. However, the party’s leadership must act decisively, confront past missteps, and take bold measures to restore public trust and reinforce its organizational strength.
The writer is Political Advisor and Election Strategist, Contact: [email protected]