Three TMC district council members join NPP in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills

The Sentinel Assam reported that on November 7, 2026, three Trinamool Congress (TMC) elected Members of District Council (MDCs) from the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) defected to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), leaving the TMC with two MDCs in the council.

Reasons given for the switch

Alphonsush R. Marak, the 29-Williamson MDC, said the TMC had shown little interest in addressing local demands, specifically the demand for a separate electoral roll for the GHADC, and had concentrated mainly on national issues. He added that the NPP leadership had welcomed the opportunity to work together. Cherak W. Momin, described in the report as a close aide of former Chief Minister and TMC leader Mukul Sangma, said the prevailing political situation and recent developments within the GHADC influenced his decision. He noted that while in opposition the MDCs had raised demands for a separate electoral roll, service rules and Garo customary law; the first two issues had been addressed but other demands remained pending. Momin also revealed that he had initially considered contesting the GHADC elections as an Independent rather than on a TMC ticket, expressed admiration for Sangma and said he was keen to work with the ruling NPP for the development of Garo Hills.

Impact on TMC’s council representation

The departure of Alphonsush R. Marak, Cherak W. Momin and Agassi R. Marak reduced the TMC’s representation in the GHADC from five elected MDCs to two. The Sentinel Assam noted that the TMC still holds four of its five Assembly seats in the region, but the loss of three district-council members dealt a setback to the party’s presence in the autonomous council.

Organisational challenges highlighted

According to the report, the defections brought to light several organisational challenges within the TMC. Alleged coordination issues, confusion over the party’s election symbol and uncertainty about the direction of its state leadership were cited as factors that may have contributed to the weakening of its grassroots strength. The article suggested that these internal problems could affect the party’s ability to retain support ahead of the next Assembly elections.

Political implications for the region

The defections strengthen the NPP’s position in the Garo Hills, as the ruling party gains three additional MDCs in the GHADC. Observers referenced in the report said the moves raise questions about the TMC’s capacity to mobilise its base and organise effectively for future contests. The shift also reflects a broader realignment of loyalties within the autonomous council, with local leaders opting to join the party that holds state power. The Sentinel Assam linked the development to wider regional political dynamics, noting a related story about the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council where an oath-taking ceremony was postponed amid reported differences among parties.

Overall, the three defections underscore the challenges faced by the TMC in maintaining its grassroots network in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills and highlight the NPP’s growing influence in the autonomous council ahead of upcoming electoral battles.