Shillong, Nov 15: In a major instance of officially acknowledging the rift in the Congress camp in Meghalaya, none other than the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) President Vincent H. Pala has revealed that a couple of leaders from Garo Hills may leave the grand old party.

He, however, did not spill the names of those that are looking to defect the party, although many assume it to be senior Congressman and CLP leader Dr Mukul Sangma as he hasn’t been attending party functions ever since Pala took over the reins of Meghalaya Congress.

It also comes in the backdrop of Trinamool Congress (TMC) trying to find a foothold in Meghalaya, and overall in the North East, after its excellent performance in the West Bengal Assembly elections. Speculations are also rife that some sort of talks took place between Dr. Sangma and TMC functionaries before the recently concluded bye-elections in the State. Even though the former Chief Minister has shot down the rumours and denied any such parley(s) with TMC members, but multiple reports suggest otherwise.

Pala, on the other hand, expressed that although few may leave the party there are others waiting in the wings to join the Congress bandwagon and relayed that majority of its legislators are standing strong with the party. He said the names of these ‘to be inducted’ leaders will be divulged around March-April next year, which will around odd one year for the 2023 Meghalaya Assembly elections .

“As per last election almost 9 MLAs left Congress but if you look at overall performance of Congress it wasn’t that bad. This time we will do better, as of now it is difficult to predict since we have one year and few months, though this time there is more enthusiasm to work for the party. Preparation for the party this time is more intense than previous elections,” stated Pala.

Adding to Pala’s statement, Congress senior leader Pynshngain N Syiem said fortunes for the Congress may change by the time 2023 elections come as there is over a year’s time to prepare.