Meghalaya Trinamool Congress Legislature Party Leader and Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma on Saturday raised serious questions over the timing and intent of the Enforcement Directorate raids on the I-PAC office, asserting that the Meghalaya TMC has no association with the political consultancy firm and stressing the need to protect the sanctity of the electoral process. Setting the record straight, Sangma said the party had consciously chosen a different political path post-2023 elections, rooted in grassroots mobilisation rather than dependence on external political strategists, while cautioning that actions perceived as politically timed could undermine public faith in democracy.
Clarifying the party’s position, Sangma said, “In as far as Meghalaya TMC unit is concern, we are not associated with iPAC of now,” adding that the decision was taken post-2023 elections as the party wanted “to depend more on the cadres at the grassroot level” and trusted “our own party grassroot workers than anybody else.” He noted that while political parties across states increasingly rely on consultants, the Meghalaya TMC believes in strengthening cadres and equipping them to address both state-wide and local issues.
Reacting to the ED action, the Leader of Opposition flagged concerns over its timing, stating, “I will place my observation in respect to these ED raids, the timing,” and pointed out that with elections around the corner in West Bengal, “the timing itself reflect that people have to doubt intent.” Emphasising democratic norms, Sangma said “the sanctity of electoral process is very important,” asserting that free and fair elections and a level playing field are crucial for the sustainability of democracy and for maintaining people’s trust in the system and the manner in which elections are conducted.
