Trinamool Congress and a thoroughly failed gamble in Meghalaya

The Trinamool Congress was hoping to expand its footprint and Meghalaya was its best opportunity

It was a no-show for the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Meghalaya. While early trends showed the party leading in 20 seats, later on the tally came down to six.

The TMC had high hopes in these elections and it may have been a gamble that could have paid off when former Meghalaya chief minister and Congress leader, Mukul Sangma joined the Congress.

In a big jolt for the Congress ahead of the Meghalaya elections, Sangma along with 11 of the 17 Congress MLAs jumped ship to the Trinamool Congress.

Thanks to this development, the Trinamool Congress had 12 MLAs even before the elections could be held. Sangma and his MLAs submitted a letter to the Speaker informing him of the decision. This went on to make the Trinamool Congress the principle opposition party in the state.

The TMC had high hopes in this move as it was looking to expand its footprints in Meghalaya. The TMC had sought to make inroads in Meghalaya at the cost of the Congress.

While part one of the ploy paid off, the final outcome was not something that the TMC would have hoped, especially it had a former CM to lead the party.

The BJP and NPP combine attacked the Trinamool Congress on the issue of illegal immigration. During campaigns it was said that the TMC if voted to power will bring illegal immigrants from Bangladesh.

For the TMC, winning Meghalaya would have boost its expansion plan. It is also looking for opportunities to be part of ruling dispensations.

Last year, it failed to open its account in Goa. In this context Meghalaya as its best opportunity yet.

After winning thrice in Bengal, the TMC had set up units in Meghalaya, Assam, Tripura and Goa.

A Hindustan Times report had said that if Meghalaya rejects the TMC, the party would need to go back to the drawing board.