In a rare political convergence, the ruling National People’s Party and the Opposition Trinamool Congress have come together as part of the ruling arrangement in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council during its extended term, prompting Leader of Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to describe the development as an “extraordinary” response to an “extraordinary” situation.
“As I have said, I have spoken to all the MDCs. I’m spoke to my (TMC) MDCs. Extraordinary situation requires extraordinary decision. This is needed at this juncture,” Dr Sangma said.
He underlined that the prevailing circumstances necessitated collective political action to address the underlying issues before the conduct of elections. “Today, what I’m saying is that can the election to Garo Hills Autonomous District Council be held without ammending this existing rule? Without complying to the demand of the people? No. So therefore we would like to see that there is a conducive environment created for a mutual coexistence of our people Across communities,” he said.
Stressing the broader objective, he added, “There are people in future, can live in harmony, progress, and prosper in harmony. We share the same desire of ensuring that our state progress and prosper in a manner that we all desire. So that we leave behind a prosperous progressive and peaceful state for generation next.”
Responding to questions on whether he was going soft on the NPP, Dr Sangma dismissed the suggestion, asserting that the priority was resolution rather than political point-scoring. “what is the intent that we have demonstrated, What is the intent? Is it a time to beat around the bush and not allow things ehat is to be happened to happen? It’s not the time when we should be engaging in those kind of narratives. No,” he said.
“What do people expect from us? People expect that we demonstrate sense of responsibility and commitment to resolve issue, our priority is not to see from the Issue, the moment you start pointing finger towards the government, then you’ll be sifting the priority,” he said, adding, “So there is no space for Sangma to play this to the gallery and shift the priority. I don’t have.”
Emphasising restraint in political conduct, he said, “You have to understand one important thing, Is it the time to play to the gallery For any politician for that matter? Is it the time? No, if anybody is doing so I will Advise him not to do so.”
On the specific situation in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, he called for unity among elected representatives. “Specific to the situation prevailing in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council and Garo Hills region. Give effect to this particular decision which is required to be taken collectively by all the elected MDCs of Garo Hills,” he said.
“It is necessary and it is incumbent upon me and my colleagues and my political party, that we engage with our Member of District Council and give them honours of responsibility to put their hands together in adopting whatever resolution are required, whatever procedures are required, to be taken collectively, as the elected MDC’s of the current house of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council,” Dr Sangma said.
Reiterating the gravity of the moment, he said, “So it is an extraordinary situation which is considered as needed by us and without that we would be seen as somebody would be acting as a stumbling block.”
“So no one not even a single MDC elected by the people must be seen as a stumbing block,” he added, concluding that “we must be seen coming togather to give effect to the decision which is needed to fulfill the aspirations and demand of our people and ensure this pave a way for our people to mutually coexist and progress and prosper together,” the former Chief Minister said.
