By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 13: What is cooking in New Delhi is now a question quietly echoing across Meghalaya’s political corridors, as the near-simultaneous presence of Meghalaya’s most influential political figures in the national capital has fuelled intense speculation over a possible political churn that could reshape equations, particularly in the Garo Hills region.
Party sources indicated that NPP Supremo and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, along with NPP State president and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, are currently in New Delhi. Separately, Trinamool Congress (TMC) parliamentary party president and Leader of the Opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma, arrived in the national capital on Saturday evening, adding momentum to the political buzz.
The convergence has prompted questions over whether the developments are coincidental or indicative of wider political consultations. Speculation has gathered pace amid discussions in political circles about Mukul Sangma’s political future, particularly against the backdrop of what observers describe as a strained relationship with the TMC’s central leadership.
Political observers pointed out that Mukul has spent close to a decade in the opposition and is navigating a narrowing field of political options. They noted that a move towards the BJP is widely considered unlikely, while the formation of a new political outfit is viewed as a high-risk proposition that may yield only limited electoral gains and potentially return him to the opposition benches.
In this context, observers said the NPP could emerge as a plausible option should Mukul choose to explore alternative political alignments. Any such development, they added, would be closely watched for its possible impact in the Garo Hills region, where Mukul Sangma continues to command considerable political influence and where electoral dynamics remain finely balanced.
Earlier reports had suggested that the former Chief Minister and seven-time MLA from Songsak had opened channels of communication with multiple political parties, while engagement with the TMC’s central leadership in Kolkata had “largely ceased.” Political sources maintained that Dr Mukul Sangma has been in touch with several parties within the state, though the identities of these parties remain unconfirmed.
Insiders indicated that the disconnect deepened following the TMC’s poor performance in the 2023 Assembly elections, in which the party secured only five seats, coupled with what is perceived as diminishing engagement by the national leadership with the party’s Northeast unit.
Sources also pointed to personal factors influencing the evolving political situation. Mukul’s younger brother, Zenith M Sangma, recently returned to the Congress after quitting the TMC, a development said to have caused disquiet within the family.
Family dynamics have historically played a significant role in Garo Hills politics, where the Sangma clan continues to be a dominant force.
Mukul’s exit from the Congress in November 2021 had followed a period of internal discord, dating back to 2019, when the party’s high command appointed Vincent H Pala as MPCC president, sidelining him from organisational leadership. With the Congress now seeking to rebuild ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, talk of a possible reconciliation has surfaced, though several State leaders are said to remain cautious, citing his long-standing rivalry with Tura MP Saleng A Sangma.
However, analysts cautioned that no official statements or confirmations have emerged from any of the leaders involved, and that the developments remain firmly within the realm of political speculation as Meghalaya’s leadership continues its engagements in New Delhi.
