Shillong, Dec 3: Dr Mukul Sangma, a senior figure in the state unit of the Trinamool Congress, has admitted that several TMC MDCs in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) are confused about their political future ahead of next year’s council elections.
When asked if MDCs were waiting for his direction before deciding whether to contest from TMC or elsewhere, Dr Sangma said it is true that some TMC members are facing a dilemma. He said the party is still new in Meghalaya and many narratives created during past elections have affected how people view it.
He said some GHADC members have even asked him whether they should contest as independents or look at other parties. But since he continues to stay with TMC, they are unsure about leaving the party or contesting under another banner.
According to him, one reason for this dilemma is the attempt by certain political groups to paint TMC as belonging to one community. He said this is wrong because every political party has its own objectives and purpose and should not be tied to any one group. He added that TMC has been one of the strongest opposition parties in the country, especially visible in Parliament.
The TMC is based in West Bengal and politicians in Meghalaya used this to beat the party during campaigning, playing on the tribal people’s fears of being dominated by Bengalis and no small amount of xenophobia.
Dr Sangma claimed that in Meghalaya every political party seems to be targeting the TMC to slow down its growth. However, he said the party continues to withstand this pressure and remains focused on moving forward.
When asked if he is giving any direction to the party’s MDCs for the upcoming GHADC election, Dr Sangma said that the TMC will field candidates and will soon start inviting applications from those who want to contest on a Trinamool ticket.
He said the party will meet to finalise its strategies and timelines. He also did not rule out the possibility of working with like-minded parties in some of the 29 constituencies.
Speaking about the current state of GHADC, run by the National People’s Party, Dr Sangma said the institution has lost its “pride and glory” because of how it has been run. He questioned whether those responsible for the current situation have intentions that go against the interests of the people of the tribal people.
He stressed the importance of the Sixth Schedule in protecting tribal identity, land and resources. He said political parties must work to strengthen all autonomous district councils. But according to him, the present government has failed to show this sense of responsibility.
