Hinting at a possible major political shift ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections, Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has set off intense speculation with his strong pitch for opposition unity and veiled references to unfolding political developments. And is Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma signalling a possible recalibration — even a return to his former party, the Indian National Congress — as he warns against a “divided house of the opposition”?
In a politically loaded articulation that has triggered intense speculation across the state, Sangma underscored the inevitability of opposition forces coming together to counter the ruling National People’s Party, even as he chose to keep his precise strategy under wraps.
Without naming any party, including his erstwhile political home, Sangma underscored that a “divided house of the opposition” only strengthens the ruling National People’s Party by diluting anti-incumbency sentiment. He made it clear that fragmentation within opposition ranks ultimately benefits the party in power.
“It is only a matter of time, when we must all come together, have this sense of oneness because our purpose is one. The political game plan is always to create the likelihood of people coming together to go in a different direction, so divided house of the opposition always will benefit the party in dispensation because then the issue of anti incumbency, however, they are strong they are somehow able to then somehow get through. As we approach further closer to the election, you will see. Many things unfolding and 2028 is also not far away. You will see new political stretegy and the resulting political developments that will unfold, let us put our cards close to our chest and put it on the table as and when needed we will share with you.”
The remarks assume greater significance given Sangma’s own political trajectory — from a long innings in the Congress to merging with the All India Trinamool Congress and positioning himself as a principal opposition face in the state. While he stopped short of spelling out any formal move, his repeated emphasis on unity has fuelled conjecture over whether a tactical alliance, a broader anti-incumbency platform, or even a political homecoming could be in the works before 2028.
Drawing a parallel between politics and divine foresight, Sangma added, “Only on special occasions, God also foretold, God had to tell Noah when the flood is going to come. But then not always, so political strategies also like that , not always we tell. There is no warning bell when you decide on a political move because politics is different ball game. It is most complicated, most difficult business.”
At the same time, he categorically dismissed speculation that he would attempt to weaken the ruling party through defections. “no why should I break NPP, do you think I will do poaching, no I have never done poaching. In my political career, during my long innings in politics in public life, whenever in power did you see us engaging under my leadership in poaching exercise wheather in District council which could have done easily since there is no provision of 10th schedule of constitution of India. We didn’t do, we always respected the mandate of the people, in true spirit of our democracy keeping in mind the core values of democracy. Otherwise people will not believe us.”
Reflecting on his current standing after merging with the Trinamool Congress, he said, “TMC, after I have along with my distinguish colleague and friends and supporters and foot soldiers merged into new political entity TMC, after the election we have not received the mandate to form government. After election coming togather of different political parties to form an alternative government but it didn’t happened. I had only 5 MLAs, so I had to respect the mandate.”
For now, Sangma insists the strategy will be revealed “as and when needed.” But as 2028 inches closer, his carefully worded assertions suggest that Meghalaya’s opposition politics may be on the cusp of a significant realignment.
