At least three Trinamool Congress (TMC) members of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), including Cherak W. Momin, considered a close aide of former Chief Minister and TMC leader Dr Mukul Sangma, are likely to join the National People’s Party (NPP) on November 4 in Shillong, ahead of the GHADC elections, according to sources. The proposed political shift is expected to deal another setback to the TMC in the Garo Hills, with the NPP seeking to consolidate its position ahead of the council elections.
The three MDCs likely to join the NPP are Cherak W. Momin, who represents Kharkutta; Agassi R. Marak, representing Balachanda; and Alphonsush R. Marak, who represents the 29-Williamnagar constituency in the GHADC. Indicating the scale of the proposed political shift, sources said, “Not less than three TMC MDCs will join NPP.”
The proposed entry of Cherak is particularly significant given his close political association with Dr Mukul Sangma, as the former Chief Minister is regarded as his political mentor. According to sources, the NPP has been keen to bring Cherak into its fold and is considering him as a potential party candidate for the Kharkutta Assembly constituency in the 2028 elections. The constituency is currently represented by NPP legislator Rupert Momin. Sources indicated that the party may consider giving Cherak the ticket, potentially reshaping its electoral calculations in the constituency.
Cherak and Alphonsush are also members of the Executive Committee of the NPP-led GHADC. Sources further indicated that the NPP is considering assigning Cherak a bigger role in the Executive Committee following the next council elections, if he joins the party.
The proposed movement of the MDCs comes amid continuing uncertainty within the TMC’s Meghalaya unit. Sources said that following the political turmoil surrounding the party after the West Bengal elections, several opposition leaders in Meghalaya have found it difficult to obtain clear communication and direction from the party’s leadership in Kolkata. The possible departure of at least three MDCs is expected to further test the TMC’s organisational presence in the Garo Hills ahead of the GHADC elections.
