The Congress Party’s downfall in Meghalaya is a near certainty because of the way the new state party president, and Shillong MP, Vincent Pala is running things, a senior member of the Congress’ state unit told Highland Post today.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the party member, who is still with the Congress but is considering other options, claimed that more leaders and members will be deserting the party down to the block level.
Stating that the recent developments that saw 12 MLAs defect to join the Trinamool Congress, have taken place because of the fault of the All India Congress Committee and the new Meghalaya Congress president, the member said, “When the AICC secretary in charge of Meghalaya, Manish Chatrath, came to Shillong, the majority of the Congress MLAs and MDCs had recommended the name of Charles Pyngrope for Meghalaya president. Everyone wanted Pyngrope as the president as he is a very balanced person.”
Despite this, Pala’s name was put forward, which came as a shock to the party cadres. Nevertheless, the Congress members decided to give Pala a chance but were immediately disappointed in the way he began running things.
“Pala did not pay heed to the demand of the members to change the Congress Legislature Party leader (Dr Mukul Sangma) after he took over but tried to divert things and also ignored reports prepared for the by-elections (in October) and instead stated that it is all right for the Congress if it wins the by-election in only one constituency, basically giving up the other two and demoralising the cadres,” the member said.
The party figure went on to claim that Pala is favouring those he is closest to as candidates for the 2023 state election, which is making even sitting MLAs worried about their future. “Likewise any important post in the party is now going to those in good relationship with the president and the affluent while dynamic figures without money are ignored.”
