Our Bureau
SHILLONG/JOWAI, March 4: Recalling his “yellow card” days of secret meetings and political defiance, NPP state president Prestone Tynsong on Wednesday invoked the legacy of the late PA Sangma to defend the party’s ideology, declaring that no leader in Meghalaya’s history has yet matched the stature of the “Garo Hills Titan.”
Speaking at the state party office to commemorate Sangma’s 10th death anniversary, Tynsong disclosed that while he was still with the Congress, he held discreet meetings with the veteran leader at his New Delhi residence, particularly during Sangma’s 2014 re-election bid from Tura.
“When Congress leaders became aware of these meetings, I was issued a ‘yellow card’ as a warning from the party leadership at both the central and state levels,” Tynsong revealed.
The Deputy Chief Minister used the anniversary to address recent scrutiny of the NPP’s political direction. He argued that Sangma’s vision—encapsulated as “One Northeast, one voice for the minority and indigenous communities”—remains the party’s bedrock. “We will not get a leader as great as him again. It is painful to see criticism directed at the party’s ideology when, as minorities, we should be protecting the mission he left behind,” Tynsong said. He expressed confidence that under Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, the party would continue to strengthen the foundation laid by its founder.
NPP national working president James PK Sangma added that the true way to honour the former Lok Sabha Speaker was to carry forward his vision through the party. “From humble beginnings in villages and small towns, we have reached significant milestones, which shows the potential within us,” he said, noting that the programme was a celebration of Sangma’s life rather than a period of mourning.
Meanwhile, the NPP West Jaintia Hills District Unit also observed the anniversary at Chutwakhu Indoor Sports Hall. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, addressing the gathering, described Sangma as a leader who consistently placed the people above his own position. He urged party members to follow Sangma’s example in working for the development of the state and the Northeast.
The Jowai event was attended by Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla, Sutnga-Saipung MLA Santa Mary Shylla, and JHADC Chief Executive Member Thombor Shiwat, among others.
