Massive Jolt For Congress In Meghalaya As Ex-CM Mukul Sangma, 11 MLAs Join TMC

Several reports suggested that Mukul Sangma felt cornered at the party, a concern which has been visible within the Congress in many states.

Former Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma. (File Photo/ Getty)

Shillong: In yet another massive setback for the Congress, this time in Meghalaya, 12 out of party's 18 MLAs joined Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday, sources told ABP News. The mega exodus leaves grand old party in single digits in the hill state.

According to reports, the 12 MLAs who left the party also include former Meghalaya CM Mukul Sangma.

With this development, Trinamool Congress will become the principal Opposition party in the state ruled by the National People's Party (NPP).

Sangma will hold a press conference tomorrow at around 1 pm in Shillong and will formally announce his new innings with the TMC. There were reports of difference between Sangma and the Congress high command which fueled speculations of his exit from the party.

Several reports suggested that Sangma felt cornered at the party, a concern which has been visible within the Congress in many states including Punjab, Haryana, and now Meghalaya.

The development comes a day after Congress leader Kirti Azad, former Haryana Congress president Ashok Tanwar joined Mamata Banerjee's party.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee indicated that she would continue the expansion program of her party.

Sources close to news agency PTI also said that with an eye on the Meghalaya polls in 2023, team members of poll strategist Prashant Kishor are in Shillong to weigh in TMC's options in the state.

(With inputs from Manogya Loiwal)