The ruling party maintains that the so-called revival narrative is politically inflated and far removed from ground realities.
With the GHADC elections fast approaching, political temperatures in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills are surging as parties rush to finalise their slate of ticket aspirants.
And amid the frenzy, the National People’s Party (NPP) has bluntly dismissed the Congress’ claims of a “revival” after the high-profile return of Zenith Sangma, his wife Sadhiarani M. Sangma, and other defectors.
NPP Says Congress’ ‘Revival’ in Garo Hills Is “Overhyped”
The ruling party maintains that the so-called revival narrative is politically inflated and far removed from ground realities.
NPP working president Marcuise N Marak said, “Last time we (NPP) defeated TMC’s Sadhiarani M. Sangma, and Zenith M. Sangma in the Gambegre Assembly by-election. So definitely that should not be a problem for us in the upcoming election.”
Congress Calls Zenith & Sadhiarani’s Return a Big Boost
Earlier, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Vincent H Pala highlighted the recent return of Zenith M. Sangma and Sadhiarani M. Sangma, the MDC from Dengnakpara constituency, as a significant morale booster.
He noted that their re-entry has strengthened the party not only in the Garo Hills but also across the Khasi–Jaintia region.
“In politics, there is no small or big leader; what matters is their influence in their area. Sadhiarani is a sitting MDC and Zenith Sangma was a minister. Their joining will certainly help the party across regions,” Pala stated.
GHADC Polls Set for Fierce Fights — Even Sitting MLAs May Jump In
The GHADC polls are poised to become a decisive litmus test, with indications that even sitting legislators may lock horns in this fiercely contested electoral arena.
The NPP has shifted into full election gear, deciding to contest all 29 GHADC seats after officially closing its window for ticket applications.
The party is now sifting through a flurry of contenders across constituencies, where anywhere between three to seven aspirants are lobbying for each ticket.
Significantly, several incumbent legislators are also eyeing the GHADC platform, signalling the scale of internal competition and the political weight the council elections now carry.
The party’s election committee will take up the shortlist soon, as strategists assess winnability, factional dynamics, and grassroots equations before finalising the official slate.
“We have not finalised the candidate as of now, but have closed down receiving of applications for party sponsorship or party tickets. Very shortly, we’ll be having an election committee meeting, and thereafter, we will decide the next course of action,” said Marcuise N Marak.
Why This Election Matters?
The GHADC polls have turned into a litmus test for both the NPP’s dominance and the Congress’ bid to regain lost ground in the Garo Hills.
The outcome is expected to redefine power equations ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
