By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 19: In yet another massive boost for the Congress in Garo Hills, former South Tura MLA John Leslee K. Sangma returned to the party on Wednesday. He was welcomed by MPCC president Vincent H. Pala in the presence of working president Deborah C. Marak and others.
The Congress leadership had been in discussions with Sangma for quite some time to bring him back into the party fold. The former South Tura legislator was briefly associated with the United Democratic Party (UDP).
Addressing party members after his formal joining, Sangma expressed concern over the worsening socio-economic environment in Garo Hills.
He said the region’s youth are facing rising unemployment, dwindling opportunities, and growing disillusionment.
“I have seen firsthand how our young people are suffering. The situation in Garo Hills is deteriorating, and the government seems incapable of offering even a semblance of hope. There is urgent work to be done at the grassroots,” he said.
The former MLA added that the Congress continues to be the only credible, secular, and people-centric platform capable of restoring confidence, protecting tribal identity, and steering Meghalaya toward inclusive development.
He reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding the party’s strength in South Tura and across Garo Hills.
Welcoming Sangma, the MPCC president said his return sends a strong message to the BJP-NPP alliance, whose “politics of division and neglect” had contributed to rising despair in Garo Hills.
“His credibility, experience, and deep connect with the people will be instrumental in reviving democratic politics in the region. The growing support for the Congress is unmistakable,” Pala said.
The MPCC chief expressed confidence that Sangma’s re-entry will reinvigorate the party’s organisational efforts in Garo Hills and encourage more leaders and citizens disillusioned with the present government to rally behind the Congress.
