By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 9: Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president, Pynshngain N. Syiem, has broken his silence amid allegations that he was mobilising support to pressurise the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to remove Vincent H. Pala as the MPCC president.
Clarifying the matter on Sunday, Syiem confirmed that some state Congress leaders had indeed met AICC secretary in-charge of Meghalaya A. Chellakumar to discuss the overall situation of the party in the state.
“There was a discussion on the need to change the MPCC chief. The decision to change the MPCC chief lies entirely with the AICC,” Syiem said, agreeing with Pala’s statement that state leaders have no authority over the appointment, as the position is nominated by the AICC.
Syiem maintained that leadership changes within the Congress are not a matter of personal rivalry. “In the Congress family, who becomes president does not matter. Anyone can be president — it could be the uncle, elder brother, or younger brother,” he remarked, stressing that he shares a cordial relationship with Pala.
He admitted that differences of opinion exist among party members but dismissed suggestions of internal conflict.
“There are differences of opinion, but that does not mean we are in bad terms. Whatever is there is all about family matters within the Congress,” he said.
Syiem further clarified that the meeting with Chellakumar involved only MPCC members and focused strictly on internal party issues and the prevailing political situation in the state.
Speaking on the recent return of Zenith M. Sangma to the Congress, Syiem described it as “a good sign for the party,” though he refrained from commenting on the possible return of Mukul M. Sangma to the Congress fold. “There will be different opinions on Mukul Sangma’s return. The views of leaders from Garo Hills will be crucial,” he noted.
According to Syiem, it is unlikely that any prominent leaders or sitting MLAs will immediately join the Congress, as they are waiting to see if the party can rebuild itself as a formidable political force in Meghalaya.
“Many will observe the unity within the party leadership. Congress continues to be a major political option because of the people’s long-standing trust,” he said.
Syiem added that the coming months would be crucial as the Congress works to reorganise itself ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
