Editor,
Apropos of the news “Cong a divided house: Conrad on Pala’s ‘One North East’ claims” (ST December 3, 2025), Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, used the phrase “Congress is already a divided house,” as a political counter to Congress’ criticism of the newly formed One North East regional front. His statement reflects an attempt to highlight internal discord within the Congress party rather than directly engage with their accusations. The context of the statement is that Meghalaya Congress chief Vincent H. Pala had alleged that One North East was a BJP-RSS designed to weaken anti-BJP forces in the region. Conrad Sangma countered by saying no external effort is needed to divide Congress, since it is “already divided from within.” He emphasized that Congress leaders may sit together but have separate internal agendas. Sangma’s political positioning framed One North East as a unifying platform for the North Eastern Region, not as an anti-Congress or anti-BJP front, but as a positive initiative for regional cooperation. By calling Congress “a divided house”, Sangma’s strategic messaging shits the narrative from defending One North East against accusations to questioning Congress’ own cohesion. The remark suggests that Congress’ internal factionalism weakens its credibility in opposing regional initiatives.
In Northeast India, alliances and fronts often emerge to amplify regional voices in national politics. Sangma’s statement positions National People’s Party and allies as more stable and forward-looking compared to Congress. It’s a classic political move – deflect criticism by pointing to the accuser’s weaknesses. This also signals that the NPP may be in touch with some Congress leaders, hinting at possible cross-party negotiations. From one perspective, the statement underscores real challenges within Congress, which has faced factionalism nationally and regionally. This is a rhetorical device meant to delegitimize Congress’ criticism of One North East and strengthen the narrative of regional unity under Sangma’s leadership. Ultimately, the remark is less about Congress itself and more about framing the NPP-led initiative as constructive and inevitable, while portraying Congress as internally unstable.
In the meantime, the Congress may leisurely spend some time listening to the song “Before You Accuse Me (Take a look at yourself)” written by Bo Diddley in 1957 which was released in 1958 as the B-side to “Say Boss Man.” It was later revived and included on Cosmo’s Factory (1970), one of Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) bringing the blues classic into their swamp-rock repertoire. The context of the song is a witty blues counter charge “before someone points fingers, they should examine their own faults.”
Yours etc;
VK Lyngdoh
Via Email
Unconstitutional functioning in Mawkyrwat District Sports Association
Editor,
The Mawkyrwat District Sports Association (MDSA), the primary governing body for sports in the South West Khasi Hills District, is currently facing a crisis that goes beyond ordinary administrative lapses What has emerged over the past decade is a sustained breakdown of democratic functioning, accompanied by serious non-compliance with statutory obligations and sports governance norms. This crisis has raised fundamental questions about the legality, legitimacy, and transparency of the Association’s operations.
One of the most serious concerns pertains to the absence of elections and renewal of office bearers for nearly ten years. Under both the Societies Registration framework and the governance principles of the State Sports Council, periodic elections are not optional—they are a mandatory requirement. By failing to conduct elections for such an extended period, MDSA stands in clear violation of democratic norms and statutory rules. Office bearers continuing indefinitely without electoral mandate amounts to administrative impropriety and undermines the very legitimacy of the Association.
Equally grave is the failure to convene either an Annual General Meeting (AGM) or any General Body Meeting (GBM) for approximately a decade. In any registered association, the General Body is the supreme decision-making authority. It is responsible for electing leaders, approving accounts, formulating policies, and reviewing the performance of office bearers. When the General Body is not convened for ten years, it effectively nullifies the checks and balances necessary for transparent and accountable governance.
The non-convening of these meetings has deprived the affiliated clubs—who are the rightful members of the Association—of their statutory right to participate in decisions that directly affect them. Such denial of participation violates fundamental principles of natural justice and fair representation. Without democratic forums, the Association risks operating as a private entity controlled by a few individuals, rather than as a public sports institution answerable to its members and guided by its constitution.
The affiliated clubs have repeatedly raised these issues before the President of MDSA, who also serves as the Deputy Commissioner of the District. Their demands have been clear, reasonable, and grounded in statutory norms: convene a General Meeting and conduct fresh elections before the commencement of the MDSA League 2025–2026. Such a stand by the clubs is legally justifiable. Members of any registered association have the right to demand accountability, transparency, and adherence to democratic procedures.
The role of the Deputy Commissioner, as the ex-officio President of MDSA, is particularly significant in this context. The President bears both statutory responsibility and moral duty to ensure that the Association functions within the framework of its constitution and the laws governing sports bodies. Failure to intervene in the face of glaring violations may amount to administrative inaction and could further deepen the crisis of legitimacy within MDSA.
Restoring legality and democratic functioning within MDSA requires immediate corrective measures. These include convening a duly constituted General Body Meeting, conducting free and fair elections for office bearers, reviewing administrative decisions taken during the non-compliant period, and reinstating transparency through proper audits and reporting. These steps are not merely administrative remedies—they are legal necessities required to restore confidence and integrity within the Association.
In conclusion, the ongoing crisis in MDSA represents a fundamental breakdown of governance, legality, and institutional accountability. The decade-long absence of elections and General Body meetings is incompatible with the principles of democratic administration and statutory compliance. If MDSA is to uphold its role as the guardian of sports development in the district, it must urgently return to the path of lawful, transparent, and participatory governance. The future of the district’s athletes, clubs, and sporting culture depends on immediate and decisive action.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email
