Shillong, March 25: Amid speculation over a possible political convergence between the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the Opposition Meghalaya Trinamool Congress (TMC), Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday indicated that the coming together of leaders across party lines in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) was issue-based and driven by concerns over tribal rights.
The development assumes significance as the State’s two prominent leaders — Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma — appeared to set aside political differences in the wake of the prevailing situation in the GHADC, fuelling political chatter over a possible realignment.
Responding to queries, the Chief Minister welcomed the collective stand taken by MDCs cutting across party affiliations, describing it as a positive signal centred on public interest.
“At this point in time, I am very happy to see that keeping the political differences and political position aside, the MDCs and the leadership of Meghalaya TMC and some of the independent MDCs came together for the rights of the people and for the concern of the people specially the tribal community of Garo Hills, therefore, this is a very positive and strong message to the people of Garo Hills that when it comes to the people than different political parties and leaders go beyond party lines and look at what is good for the people and the state as a whole,” said CM Conrad K. Sangma.
“And I think this is a shiny example of that. And therefore, I Give my sense of appreciation to the MDC’s of the TMC and the independent MDCs As well as the leadership For taking this very, very correct and bold and very Strong stand yo support this particular bill and be part of this Executive Committee,” said The CM.
On whether the emerging coordination could translate into an electoral alliance in the Assembly elections, the Chief Minister maintained that the present understanding remains confined to a specific issue.
“Right now the platform in which we come togather has been on the issue of of The tribals rights and the Schedule Tribe certificate issue. And therefore, it is limited to that,” said Sangma.
“Obviously it’s a it’s a step that we welcome because I said, we have come Beyond our political and our party stands and stand United when it comes to the cause of the people. And I think it’s a very positive message for the people of our state beyond, that is something that is not possible for me to comment right now, but we will see how things unfold,” he added.
