By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 2: The Meghalaya Congress, although emboldened by the return of former TMC MLA Zenith M. Sangma to its fold, seems to be facing internal rift with Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Vincent H. Pala admitting that some party leaders were “plotting” his removal.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Sunday, Pala claimed that some party leaders met AICC secretary and Meghalaya in-charge A. Chellakumar during his recent visit to the state and placed the demand for a change in the MPCC leadership.
He said he was not surprised by such developments, noting that dissent and differing opinions are natural in politics.
“There is only one post of state party president, so it’s obvious that some will be happy while others won’t,” he said.
“I know that some people who are unhappy with my leadership have already met the party in-charge. I have no problem with this. They have the right to express their views. Personally, I welcome both positive and negative feedback,” he added.
The MPCC chief said internal criticism is healthy in a democracy, including within a political party. “We need people who are vigilant and can question leadership policies,” he remarked.
Pala revealed that some leaders, who had opposed him earlier, came to meet him with constructive suggestions following their meeting with Chellakumar.
“One of the suggestions was to elect new leaders in places like Jaintia Hills, where many District Congress Committee presidents have left the party. Even in Mylliem, there was a suggestion to appoint new leadership after former MLA Ronnie V. Lyngdoh deserted the party,” Pala said.
He stated that he agreed with many of these suggestions but clarified that such appointments require approval from the AICC.
He disclosed that some leaders of the party had suggested adopting a resolution to prevent any change in leadership but he advised against it. “I told them that such a resolution would set a wrong precedent. The decision lies with the AICC Meghalaya in-charge, not with state leaders,” he said.
He said if the MPCC president’s post were an elected one, the decision would lie with the state leadership and the members. “Since the president is appointed by the AICC, it is best left to their wisdom and analysis,” Pala said.
Stating that the Congress faced several desertions since losing power, he said some supporters of those who left are still in the party and working to destabilise it.
“We cannot deny that sympathisers of leaders who deserted the party remain within our ranks. These leaders are using their supporters to create instability,” he alleged.
He said he is open to leadership change if the party deems it necessary, but cautioned that he would not tolerate “outside influences” seeking to manipulate the party’s internal affairs for political gain.
“I know that there are some leaders who have already decided to leave the party. Many of their relatives are in the BJP. They are now trying to create controversies within the Congress to justify their eventual exit,” Pala claimed.
He warned that such “petty politics” by vested interests would not be tolerated. “Those leaders are free to leave if they wish. They are doing more harm than good. But we will not allow them to create conflict within the party to serve their political interests,” he said but refused to divulge their names.
Strained ties with PN Syiem
Pala also acknowledged his strained relationship with the former KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pynshngain N. Syiem and said it arose from disagreements over the Congress’s decision to withdraw support from the NPP-led Executive Committee prior to recent KHADC elections.
He noted Syiem’s unhappiness regarding the MPCC leadership’s demands for withdrawal, stating that he insisted on aligning with the majority sentiment within the party and directives from the AICC.
Initially, Syiem had encouraged Pala’s active involvement in state politics, but internal resistance existed against Syiem’s return due to past conflicts with former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.
Pala eventually cooperated with the NPP to prevent defections of MDCs, a move made without AICC’s prior consent.
Many involved leaders subsequently departed from Congress, leaving Syiem the sole one remaining, Pala said.
He acknowledged that the party’s recent electoral failures were partially due to their past alignment with the NPP.
He emphasised the need for corrective actions to rebuild public trust and affirmed the AICC’s directive for unity and collaboration amongst Congress leaders to revitalise the party.
He highlighted the importance of experienced leaders like Syiem in guiding the party through this challenging phase.
