By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 28: In a sudden political development that could potentially signal the beginning of the end for the Meghalaya Trinamool Congress, senior leader Zenith M. Sangma on Tuesday resigned from the post of vice-president of the party and also from its primary membership with immediate effect.
Sangma also announced that he would be rejoining the Congress shortly.
The Congress leadership has approved the proposal for Zenith Sangma’s re-entry into the party.
Sources said Sangma will join the Congress on Wednesday in Shillong in the presence of AICC Meghalaya in charge, Dr A Chellakumar and other state leaders.
In his resignation letter addressed to Meghalaya TMC president Charles Pyngrope, the former MLA stated that the decision came after “much thought and reflection.”
“My journey with the AITC has been filled with invaluable experiences, lessons, and memories. I will always remain grateful for the trust, support, and friendship I received from colleagues, workers, and well-wishers throughout my tenure with the party. However, I believe every phase in life has its time and purpose. Today, I feel it is the right moment for me to move on and begin a new chapter one that aligns more closely with my personal vision and the aspirations I hold for the people I serve,” Sangma said.
“This has not been an easy decision,” he wrote.
Sangma extended his “heartfelt gratitude” to the leadership of both TMC and TMC Meghalaya for the opportunities provided and wished the party success in continuing its mission to serve the people of the region and the nation.
An informed source from the TMC said Zenith’s resignation was not surprising since the party’s central leadership has not shown any interest in Meghalaya after losing the 2023 Assembly elections.
The source informed that the office-bearers of the party, till date, have held only one review meeting post the 2023 Assembly elections.
The concerns and issues raised by local leaders here are not reaching the top brass of the party like Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee.
Admitting that there is no coordination between the central leadership and the local leaders here, the source said TMC leaders from the state are finding it very tough to get access to Abhishek Banerjee to highlight their concerns and issues.
Zenith was one of the 12 sitting Congress MLAs who resigned from their party to join the TMC on November 24, 2021.
The rebel MLAs, led by Mukul M. Sangma and Charles Pyngrope, submitted a letter to then Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh announcing their merger with the TMC.
Besides Zenith, Mukul and Charles, other MLAs who joined the TMC included Himalaya M. Shangpliang, George B. Lyngdoh, Shitlang Pale, Dikkanchi D. Shira, Miani D. Shira, Marthon J. Sangma, Jimmy D. Sangma, Winnerson D. Sangma and Lazarus M. Sangma.
