TMC Leader Mukul Sangma Elected as LoP in Meghalaya Assembly for 2nd Term, Pledges to Prioritize People’s Interests

Former Meghalaya Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Sangma is back as the Leader of Opposition in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly.

Sangma’s claim to the LoP’s post was backed by lone Congress legislator in the house, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, who has been appointed as the opposition chief whip with immediate effect.
Earlier in the day, Mukul Sangma spoke about his commitment to focusing on issues pertaining to the interests of the people and the state if elected as LoP.

Speaking exclusively to Northeast Live, Sangma said, “The interest of the people must supersede everything else. That is what democracy demands from all of us who represent people. We will be representing their wills and desires, therefore we should not be influenced by other forces. Our core values which guide us in fulfilling our responsibilities towards the people and ensuring that their interests, should supersede everything else.”

Sangma sharply criticized the government for its perceived inaction on urgent issues affecting the livelihoods of the people.

He pointed out the ongoing rise in prices of essential commodities and services, accusing both the union and state governments of neglect.

Sangma questioned the government’s attitude towards this pressing issue, stating, “The prices of certain essential commodities and items continue to rise, yet the government seems unwilling to address these concerns. There is a complete absence of action from both the union and state governments in tackling this crisis.”

Notably, this is Mukul Sangma’s second term as LoP. He has previously held the position from November 2021 to 2023.

In the 2023 Meghalaya Assembly elections, TMC won only 5 seats, and Congress won 26 seats. Following this, Ronnie V Lyngdoh was elected as LoP in the Assembly.

After the Congress’ strength was reduced to just 1 in the Assembly after the defection of 3 of its MLAs–Gabriel Wahlang, Charles Marngar and Celestine Lyngdoh to the Conrad Sangma-led ruling National People’s Party (NPP), Ronnie V Lyngdoh has resigned from the post of LoP in the State Assembly on Tuesday.

Following this, Mukul Sangma officially staked his claim for the position.

With the backing of the lone Congress legislator, the TMC’s strength in the house went up to six complying with the criteria of party having 10 percent of the house’s strength to appoint its MLA as LoP.

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