SHILLONG — Meghalaya Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Charles Pyngrope has rejected reports of a rift or rival faction within the state unit, maintaining that the party’s regional setup remains unified as it prepares for the 2028 Assembly elections.
Responding to queries about the party’s identity and organizational standing in the state, Pyngrope dismissed claims of internal division:
“We do not have a Nakli TMC,” Pyngrope declared, affirming that the state branch faces no dispute over its legitimacy.
State Dynamics and Identity Debates
The state unit’s clarification comes amid broader national discussions regarding the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) organizational structure following the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
With five sitting MLAs in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, the state unit is actively reviewing its political footprint across key regions, including the Khasi-Jaintia Hills:
-
Assessing Public Sentiment: Pyngrope stated that the leadership is gauging ground realities to calibrate its strategy ahead of future electoral cycles.
-
Positioning as an Alternative: He suggested that ongoing shifts in state politics leave room for the TMC to present itself as a viable platform for voters.
Decision to Skip By-Election
Outlining the party’s immediate strategy, Pyngrope announced that the Meghalaya TMC will not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha by-election in the state:
-
Candidate Absence: Addressing the decision to sit out the race, Pyngrope noted: “We don’t have a proper face.”
-
Cross-Party Outreach: He confirmed that leadership from both the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) and the Congress have reached out to secure TMC’s support for the by-poll.
-
Pending Decision: The party has refrained from endorsing any candidate so far, leaving the field open to a triangular contest between the NPP, Congress, and the Voice of the People Party (VPP).
