‘Five party MLAs remain united’
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 30: Rajabala MLA Mizanur Rahman Kazi on Thursday drew a clear line within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), declaring that any political move by its Legislative Party cannot be anybody’s personal decision but must be inclusive and taken collectively.
Amid speculation that the TMC MLAs could follow Dr Mukul Sangma and move to the Congress, Kazi made it clear that no such discussion has taken place within the party so far. “Any move of the legislators has to be with all the MLAs and it cannot be a personal decision. Party leaders can take their own decisions, but when it comes to MLAs, it should be an inclusive decision, and so far we have not discussed anything,” he said.
He reiterated that the five TMC MLAs in the state remain united. “As of now, we are in TMC as united MLAs and all of us right now are with TMC. All five of us are in constant touch with TMC parliamentary party president Dr Mukul and TMC State president Charles Pyngrope, and so far both have not spoken anything,” he added.
Kazi clarified that there has been no internal deliberation on any possible shift or merger. “So far we have not met in the party forum and there have been no discussions on any future movement of the party,” he said.
Asked whether he would join the Congress if the TMC legislative wing collectively decided to do so, Kazi said he would abide by the decision of the parliamentary party leadership while also consulting his constituents. “If by chance any such situation arises, obviously I will have to discuss with my people also because they are the most important and integral part of me. If my people are okay, then I am okay — after all, it is because of them I am surviving politically.
The wish of my people is command for me,” he stated.
On the recent move of Zenith Sangma, brother of Dr Mukul Sangma, joining the Congress, Kazi said such developments are being misinterpreted. “I understand that, but as of now it is mere speculation. Since they are brothers, it is being assumed that Dr Mukul will also follow. But the matter of fact is, it is speculation as of now,” he said.
Reacting to the observation that several supporters of State president Charles Pyngrope have already joined the Congress, Kazi said every politician weighs both people’s consent and personal career prospects before making a move. “As an elected representative, you have two things to consider — first is the consent of your people and second is your political ambition and career. If we want to be re-elected, we will have to cope with the demand of the people,” he remarked.
While uncertainty swirls around the TMC’s future course in Meghalaya, Kazi’s remarks underline a firm assertion that the fate of the legislative unit will be decided collectively — not individually.
