Breaking his silence on his political strategy five months after the split in the Meghalaya Trinamool Congress (TMC), Leader of Opposition Mukul M. Sangma on Thursday firmly ruled out joining the BJP or any other national party. He asserted that he continues to belong to the “original TMC” led by Mamata Banerjee.
Responding to questions about the BJP’s recent expansion in Meghalaya, Sangma declined to reveal whether the party had approached him. “Even if they approach me, I will not tell you,” he remarked, before making his position clear. “Mukul Sangma is not joining BJP or any other political party. No national party.”
Questioning whether the BJP’s growing strength would necessarily translate into public support, Sangma noted that despite longstanding expectations of the BJP’s rise in Meghalaya, the party had yet to achieve the breakthrough it sought. His comments came in the wake of eight former UDP MLAs joining the BJP, increasing its tally in the 60-member Assembly from two to ten.
He stressed that political defections should not be mistaken for shifts in voter sentiment. “The people will decide; not the MLAs, not their workers,” he said, adding that while party workers may encourage leaders to switch sides in pursuit of constituency benefits, such moves do not automatically influence electoral outcomes.
Sangma attributed the UDP legislators’ move to deeper issues within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), describing it as evidence of a lack of cohesiveness and inclusiveness within the coalition. According to him, frustration among alliance legislators had been visible for some time, with public criticism from some members representing only “the tip of the iceberg.”
He argued that political poaching succeeds only when dissatisfaction already exists and linked the recent developments to governance shortcomings and misplaced priorities.
Recalling his tenure as Chief Minister, Sangma said opposition legislators could freely approach him regarding constituency matters and development funds were not distributed selectively.
Dismissing speculation about rival factions within the TMC, Sangma described the opposing group as a result of political poaching and reiterated, “I am an original TMC.”
He also emphasized the importance of integrity in politics, saying he had once told Mamata Banerjee that “integrity in public life is the strongest weapon.” Leaders who compromise on integrity, he warned, become vulnerable to pressure and inducements.
Sangma maintained that political realignments similar to those witnessed in Assam and West Bengal are not uncommon and said the BJP’s expansion should not be measured solely by the number of MLAs it has attracted. Ultimately, he said, the true test would come when voters cast their verdict.
