Zenith Sangma Quits Meghalaya TMC, Set to Rejoin Congress

Shillong: In a major blow to the Meghalaya Trinamool Congress (TMC), senior leader and former vice-president Zenith M Sangma resigned from the party with immediate effect on Tuesday, signalling a potential collapse of the regional unit.

He announced his intention to rejoin the Congress, with the party’s leadership already approving his return.

Sangma is scheduled to formally rejoin the Congress on Wednesday in Shillong, in the presence of AICC Meghalaya in-charge Dr. A. Chellakumar and other state leaders.

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In his resignation letter to Meghalaya TMC president Charles Pyngrope, Sangma described the decision as one made “after deep reflection.” He expressed gratitude for the experiences gained during his tenure, stating, “My time with the AITC has been enriching, but every chapter has its season. I now seek a new path that better reflects my vision and commitment to the people I serve.”

Acknowledging the difficulty of the choice, Sangma wished the TMC continued success in its mission and thanked both national and state leadership for their support.

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A senior TMC source, speaking anonymously, said the resignation was expected, citing a lack of engagement from the party’s central leadership following the 2023 Assembly election defeat. “Only one review meeting has been held since then,” the source revealed. “Local concerns are not reaching Mamata Banerjee or Abhishek Banerjee, and state leaders struggle to even secure meetings with the high command.”

Sangma was among 12 Congress MLAs who defected to the TMC on November 24, 2021, in a move led by Mukul M. Sangma and Charles Pyngrope. The group, which included Himalaya M. Shangpliang, George B. Lyngdoh, Shitlang Pale, Dikkanchi D. Shira, Miani D. Shira, Marthon J. Sangma, Jimmy D. Sangma, Winnerson D. Sangma, and Lazarus M. Sangma, had formally merged with the TMC through a letter to the then Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh.