Meghalaya: Trinamool Congress Withdraws from Khasi and Jaintia Hills Council Elections

Shillong: The Trinamool Congress (TMC), the largest opposition party in Meghalaya, has decided not to participate in the upcoming elections for two important tribal councils in the state. These elections, for the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council, are scheduled for February 21, 2025.

Mukul M. Sangma, a senior TMC leader and former Chief Minister, explained that the decision was made after considering the “ground realities” in the region. He emphasized that the party’s focus is on strengthening its presence at the grassroots level rather than contesting these elections, especially in areas dominated by the Khasi and Jaintia communities, who follow a matrilineal system.

Meghalaya holds significant importance for TMC, especially as the party seeks to expand beyond its base in West Bengal, where it is in power. The TMC currently has five members in Meghalaya’s 60-member Assembly. Despite this, the party is sitting out the district council elections, while all other political parties, including the National People’s Party-led ruling coalition, are participating.

The TMC’s presence in Meghalaya started in November 2021 when 12 Congress legislators, led by Sangma, joined the party. In the 2023 Assembly elections, the TMC managed to secure only five seats. While the party has a stronger foothold in the Garo Hills region, it has less influence in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

Also Read:

Also Watch: