Shillong, Dec 3: Former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mukul Sangma has dismissed speculation about rejoining the Congress party, asserting that the interests of Meghalaya’s people take precedence over political affiliations.

Speaking on his brother Zenith Sangma’s decision to rejoin Congress, Mukul described it as “a bitter thing” but emphasized that the state’s development supersedes the interests of any political party or dispensation.

He underlined that his departure from Congress was a conscious and deliberate decision, saying, “It is not that I have just jumped out without thinking about the future or having a plan.” Mukul added that he has a “scripted chart of paths” aimed at furthering Meghalaya’s growth, based on his decades of experience in public service alongside other state leaders.

Mukul also stressed that protecting the state’s interests is a collective responsibility, which sometimes requires exploring alternative routes.

Addressing the perception of political work as a family affair, he stated, “Family remains family, but once I had decided to be in public life, I do not remain a monopoly of my family members alone.” He affirmed that his decades of dedication to public service will stand as testimony to his commitment, adding, “I may love my brother, but I have hundreds of thousands of brothers and sisters, nephews, and nieces… that’s the conviction with which I have been working.”

Regarding Zenith’s move, Mukul said, “He might have thought his aspirations will be fulfilled if he shifts, but he may be wrong… I will prove it.”