SHILLONG: Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, finally broke his silence on the recent formation of the ‘North East Front,’ claiming it is merely a formalization of an existing political reality.
“It is nothing new,” asserted the veteran leader. “Conrad K Sangma, the incumbent Chief Minister of Meghalaya, and TIPRA Supremo Pradyot Manikya —they have been together already, there is nothing new, they have been together, they are together, and I know they will be together.”
Dr. Sangma suggested this front is simply giving them their “own space” and dramatically predicted a surge of political “freelancers,” urging observers to “keep your fingers crossed” as political dynamics are set to “unfold in the years to come.”
In his most direct challenge, Dr. Sangma linked the key players directly to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), framing the entire state government’s existence around the national party.
“I have already said that this government was installed by BJP, so they are part of the BJP. So also Pradyot, he is a part of the BJP. They are together, where is the question?” Dr. Sangma challenged reporters, adding: “Rather in fact you have to ask them whether they want to somehow distance themselves from BJP, that question has to be posed to them.”
When asked if he had been invited to join the nascent North East Front, Dr. Sangma scoffed at the idea.
“So far no,” he stated, before emphatically concluding: “I just heard they were talking, that’s it, and then I don’t think they, they should not also, and it will be like wasting their time.”
Dr. Sangma hinted at major regional political shifts, saying there will be “many surprises from the whole North East perspective for the good of our people.” However, for the current Conrad-Pradyot association, he maintains, “it is there, it is just that they are trying to reach out in a larger scale.”
