SHILLONG: Former Chief Minister and TMC leader, Dr. Mukul Sangma today claimed that the state’s constitutional safeguards are under a calculated “trial balloon” attack.
Speaking on the party’s preparation for the upcoming elections, Sangma revealed a deliberate shift in tactics, opting for a “silent” ground-level approach over social media visibility to shield his strategy from political weaponization.
The veteran leader didn’t hold back regarding the recent crisis in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC). While the government eventually stepped in to cover pending salaries, Sangma labeled the move a “Trojan Horse” that undermines the very autonomy of the council.
Sangma argued that the instrument used to pay employees is a direct violation of the Sixth Schedule .
“If this can happen to one District Council, it can happen to the Khasi or Jaintia Councils as well,” he cautioned, describing the government’s move as a test to see how much the tribal population will tolerate.
He raised the alarm over the “slow alienation of land,” calling it a dangerous trend that threatens the inheritance passed down through generations.
Addressing concerns over the TMC seemingly fielding a limited number of candidates, Sangma hinted at a “volatile” and “rescripted” political game plan. He referenced the 2018 defection of M.M. Danggo as a lesson in why the party is now prioritizing deep-rooted loyalty over mere optics.
“You will see what happens suddenly when the time comes. We need loyalty—not just to a party, but to the broader purpose of serving the state amidst these unprecedented challenges.”
He refused to disclose how many candidates would run as independents versus on a party ticket, suggesting that the TMC is building a coalition of “purpose-driven” leaders rather than just filling a roster.
Sangma further took aim at the state’s fiscal management, specifically targeting the Demand for grants and the handling of DA (Dearness Allowance) increment. Comparing the pre-2018 era to the present, he characterized the current financial state as a “failure of strategy” rather than a simple default.
He reminded the administration of a scriptural principle – “Do not withhold the money that is due to other”.
Linking the current struggles to the Meghalaya Residents Safety and security Act (MRSSA), Sangma emphasized that the foresight of the state’s forefathers is being eroded. He urged the public to look at the “larger picture” of how these constitutional protections are being weakened by a government that either “shirks responsibility” or acts out of “intentional omission.”
With the election fever rising, Sangma said the TMC is not missing—it is simply underground, waiting for the right moment to strike against a system he claims is failing its taxpayers and its heritage.
