By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 29: Tura Lok Sabha member Saleng A. Sangma on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of former Chief Minister Mukul M. Sangma returning to Congress, even as he welcomed the latter’s younger brother Zenith M. Sangma back into the party fold.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said that Mukul Sangma had made it “very clear” that he would not rejoin Congress.
“Dr Mukul has already said that he will never come back to the Congress. Even the media have reported his firm position on this,” he stated.
Commenting on Zenith Sangma’s return to the Indian National Congress, the Tura MP said the former TMC leader “redeemed himself” by coming back to what he called his “original home.”
Drawing a biblical reference of a “prodigal son”, the MP remarked: “Just like parents welcome their son back home, the Congress family has accepted Zenith. The high command, too, has welcomed him because he is a good man who wants to work for the people of the State.”
When asked if other former Congress or TMC legislators were likely to rejoin, the MP clarified that the party was not planning a blanket return for everyone.
“Congress is not willing to bring back all the legislators who left for the NPP or TMC. Some may return depending on the wishes of the people and the electorate. But not all of them might be good, and we have to choose wisely,” he said candidly.
Reaffirming confidence in Congress’s continued relevance, the MP asserted, “Congress is always with the people. Sometimes, when wrong candidates are fielded, people move away, but the party is never finished. It remains deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.”
Recalling the party’s strong legacy in Meghalaya, Saleng Sangma pointed out that Congress was once led by stalwarts like the late P.A. Sangma and Mukul Sangma.
“Congress will continue to grow even under the new regime. We are new wine in the old bottle,” he quipped.
Zenith Sangma, the former Rangsakona MLA, declined to comment on whether his elder brother would follow him to Congress from the TMC.
“Dr Mukul Sangma is a very tall leader with vast political experience and wisdom. What he is thinking or planning is best known to him. I am not the authorised person to speak on his behalf,” he said.
He believed that when the time comes, Mukul Sangma may take any decision. “But I don’t wish to dwell on it now,” he added.
