By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 26: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H. Pala on Tuesday claimed that internal divisions within the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) are widening and may intensify in the coming months.
Speaking to reporters, Pala alleged that dissatisfaction within the NPP has increased following recent political developments, including ministerial changes and leadership issues. He pointed to rising differences between leaders from the Khasi Hills and Garo Hills over political representation and the allocation of key positions.
Pala claimed that disagreements have also surfaced regarding future appointments, particularly nominations for Rajya Sabha seats, with legislators from different regions pushing for their preferred candidates. These tensions, he said, are now being openly discussed even at the grassroots level, with many feeling that leadership positions are not being equitably distributed.
The Congress leader further alleged that the ideological gap between the NPP and the BJP is narrowing, as both parties appear to be adopting similar political approaches on several issues. He warned that such developments could eventually undermine the stability of the ruling alliance in the state.
Pala asserted that the Congress remains the only credible political alternative for the people of Meghalaya amid growing public discontent over unemployment, poor governance, and unfulfilled promises by the current government.
He claimed that after years of experimenting with other parties, people are gradually returning to the Congress. The party, he said, is best positioned to counter the BJP both nationally and in Meghalaya, while several regional parties continue to align with the saffron party.
Pala criticised the present government for relying heavily on publicity and presentations rather than sincerely addressing the problems faced by ordinary citizens. He highlighted issues in education, pending dues, and stalled development works, stating that several sectors have deteriorated due to lack of seriousness and long-term vision.
Pala informed that the Congress has already begun preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. For the past three to four months, the party has been focusing on quiet grassroots outreach through house-to-house meetings and local-level engagement instead of large public rallies.
He said Congress workers across districts are actively connecting with people at the household level, believing this direct approach will be more effective in rebuilding voter trust.
The MPCC president claimed there is a noticeable shift in public mood in favour of the Congress, with anti-incumbency sentiments growing against both the state government and autonomous district councils. He added that many youth and former supporters of other parties are returning to the Congress fold.
However, Pala cautioned that it is still too early to predict election outcomes, as voters usually take their final decisions closer to polling day.
Pala downplayed the impact of the BJP’s recent electoral successes in other states on Meghalaya. He argued that the political behaviour and voting patterns in the state are distinct, with voters being politically conscious and guided primarily by local issues and realities.
Despite years of effort, he said, the BJP has failed to establish the kind of dominance in Meghalaya that it enjoys elsewhere. Voters, according to him, will ultimately judge parties based on governance and delivery rather than national narratives.
