By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 11: Meghalaya’s political circles are abuzz with speculation over the next move of Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma, who has so far maintained a stoic silence amid growing uncertainty on the future of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the state.
Sangma himself had recently remarked that one should “hold one’s cards close to one’s chest,” a statement that has only intensified the ongoing political guessing game.
The TMC, once projected as a strong opposition force in Meghalaya after the dramatic defection of 12 Congress legislators in 2021, is increasingly showing signs of organisational decline in the state.
Political observers point to what they describe as weak coordination between the party’s state and national leaderships, coupled with an apparent lack of sustained engagement from the national leadership.
The gradual exit of several supporters and leaders associated with the state TMC leadership to other political parties has deepened the perception that the party’s structure in Meghalaya is weakening ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Sources in political circles claimed that many leaders are unlikely to contest under the TMC banner in 2028, adopting a wait-and-watch approach while assessing future political equations.
The party’s disappointing performance in the recent West Bengal elections has triggered fresh discussions in Meghalaya about its long-term viability as a political force outside Bengal, particularly in a state where regional and coalition politics dominate electoral calculations.
In this backdrop, one of the major speculations doing the rounds is that Sangma is exploring a possible understanding with the BJP.
According to political sources, the theory being discussed is that such an arrangement could involve consolidating seats in Garo Hills, boosting the BJP’s overall tally and positioning Sangma for a possible claim to the Chief Minister’s post after the 2028 elections.
Another speculation is that he may eventually arrive at an understanding with the ruling National People’s Party.
According to this line of speculation, a possible arrangement could involve a key constitutional position, and cabinet berths for leaders close to him.
Political observers are debating whether the veteran leader could ultimately return to the Congress, the party where he spent decades and rose to become Chief Minister, or whether he may choose to float his own regional political outfit ahead of the Assembly polls.
It may be added that following the TMC’s defeat in the Bengal Assembly polls, Meghalaya TMC president Charles Pyngrope had asserted that the setback does not diminish its presence either nationally or in Meghalaya.
He had stated that the party’s future remains intact, stressing that electoral defeat does not equate to political irrelevance.
Addressing concerns over the impact of the Bengal poll outcome on Meghalaya, he asserted that there would be no effect on the state unit, adding that such electoral outcomes are part of the democratic process.
On the way forward, Pyngrope had said that the party would collectively decide its future course of action in Meghalaya after consulting the high command.
