As National People’s Party (NPP) president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma sets his sights on forging a new regional alliance for the Northeast, the big question is — is his party’s own fortress in Meghalaya beginning to tremble?
If sources are to be believed, Meghalaya’s ruling NPP, led by Conrad Sangma, is showing signs of internal strain, raising questions about its stability ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. Sources within the NPP revealed, “Following the last cabinet reshuffle, many leaders are not happy, even many legislators are not happy with the party’s leadership.” With the party holding 33 MLAs, expectations are running high.
Insiders suggest that several leaders who joined the NPP in recent years are beginning to regret their decision, hinting at simmering discontent within the party. “Definitely, hundred percent they are regretting, why did I do this?” sources said, indicating dissatisfaction among some leaders. Legislators from the Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, and Ri Bhoi have reportedly expressed growing frustration, with one former Congress member even considering contesting as an Independent in 2028. “Joining NPP now would be political suicide,” admitted another source, signaling a potential exodus of lawmakers.
Meanwhile, sources indicated that the Congress is likely to witness a new wave of joinings in the Garo Hills — a development many see as a significant shift in the region’s political landscape. The Congress resurgence, however, did not emerge overnight. It began during the last Lok Sabha elections when Congress candidate Saleng A. Sangma clinched the Tura Parliamentary seat, defeating NPP’s Agatha Sangma — a powerful upset that marked the revival of Congress in Meghalaya.
With Zenith Sangma’s entry, that wave has gained further momentum, energizing Congress cadres and unsettling NPP’s ground machinery. Sources said that in the coming days, more leaders are expected to switch sides, further consolidating the Congress’s growing presence in Garo Hills. “In Garo Hills, I am told even Congress will take away many seats. With Zenith Sangma making this move, it will surely help Congress,” another NPP leader warned, suggesting that the opposition may be quietly regrouping while the ruling camp bleeds internally.
While the Trinamool Congress appears to have lost traction, sources caution that Dr. Mukul Sangma’s influence cannot be dismissed. “TMC is a non-entity now, but Dr. Mukul Sangma’s influence cannot be denied. Yet we should not forget that he lost to NPP in Tikrikilla and did not win by a big margin in Songsak. Waiting till 2028, just depending on Dr. Mukul Sangma to reveal his card,” an NPP insider remarked. “However, we also agree that he is a one-man army travelling the length and breadth of Garo Hills,” the sources added.
Adding to the turmoil are allegations that a section of NPP leaders has monopolized decision-making, sidelining key state figures. There is also an allegations that there is an escalating cold war between the two Deputy Chief Ministers — Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar — both wielding substantial influence within the party.
“Leaders are not happy with Prestone Tynsong as well,” a senior source from Khasi Hills revealed, underscoring widening factional rifts.
Interestingly, sources disclosed that some sitting legislators might not receive party tickets for the next election. While Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who also serves as NPP supremo, is closely monitoring the activities of his legislators and leaders, political observers note that no government in Meghalaya has survived beyond a decade. The year 2028 likely be a litmus test for Conrad Sangma.
