SHILLONG, May 18: With the Voice of the People Party (VPP) and the Congress opting out of the all-party committee on railway connectivity, only the Trinamool Congress (TMC) remains from the Opposition to clarify its stand on the matter — though that too is clouded in uncertainty.
While the formation of the committee is known, official communication has yet to reach the party leadership. Sources within the TMC revealed that the party has not begun internal discussions, and leaders from the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Hills regions have yet to coordinate on the issue.
Until official communication is received and a formal meeting is held, the party is unlikely to initiate any internal debate — let alone decide whether to join the committee or follow the other Opposition parties in opting out.
The all-party committee, chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, is expected to hold its first meeting by the end of April. Its objective is to engage political parties and civil society in discussions about the future of railway connectivity in Meghalaya.
Strong opposition to railway projects continues from several pressure groups, including the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Jaintia Students’ Union (JSU), and Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF). These organisations maintain that no railway project should proceed without a robust influx-checking mechanism in place.
With the Congress and VPP already having declined participation, the TMC’s eventual position — and that of the United Democratic Party (UDP) — will be crucial in shaping the committee’s relevance and direction.
