By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 5: The ruling National People’s Party (NPP) refused to shut the door on Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Mukul M. Sangma joining its fold, fuelling intense speculation of a major political realignment in Meghalaya.
Cabinet Minister and NPP leader Wailadmiki Shylla dodged a direct response when asked about speculations of Mukul’s entry into the ruling party, saying he had no information or report on the matter but added that in politics, such developments cannot be ruled out.
Rumours are circulating about secret talks, with whispers of a constitutional post for Sangma and a Cabinet berth for his daughter.
No official word has emerged from either camp, and all attempts to reach Sangma went unanswered.
Such a shift could reshape the state’s power dynamics ahead of key polls, especially as the NPP grapples with its Rajya Sabha pick amid regional rivalries from Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo Hills.
While party leaders from Garo Hills are pushing for James P.K. Sangma, the emergency of contenders from Khasi-Jaintia Hills is complicating the decision for the NPP.
Shylla said the party leadership is yet to decide, with multiple names in play. “He said around four to five names have surfaced in discussions so far, but maintained that it would be premature to disclose them at this stage. While acknowledging that certain leaders, particularly from the Garo Hills, have projected a candidate, he observed that such developments are natural given the presence of only one Rajya Sabha seat in the state.”
On the Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll, Shylla confirmed the NPP will contest, with a candidate announcement slated for the party’s general executive meeting.
