Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has responded to criticism from the Congress over the newly formed “One North East” political platform. His remarks came a day after Meghalaya Congress president Vincent H. Pala claimed that the initiative was part of a BJP-RSS plan to influence politics in the region.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sangma said the Congress did not need anyone else to divide it. He remarked that the party was already struggling with internal unity. According to him, Congress leaders look united in public but follow their own separate paths behind the scenes. He also said that the National People’s Party (NPP) is in touch with some Congress legislators, though he did not share any names.
Sangma explained that “One North East” was not created to target any political party. Instead, he said the goal was to bring the northeastern states together so they could speak with a collective voice. He stressed that the region has many common issues and that a shared platform would help push those issues more effectively. “Our aim is to work together for the people. Only when we are united can we hope to solve our challenges,” he said. 
The BJP’s Meghalaya unit also criticised Pala’s allegations. State BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said it was disappointing that a senior leader made such claims without any proof. He pointed out that the BJP has earned strong support across the Northeast and now leads governments in three states while being part of the ruling alliances in two others. He added that people support the BJP because of what he described as its work in governance, development, and transparency.
The exchange of statements comes just after the launch of the “One North East” front, which is being led by Sangma and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The new grouping has drawn attention from political observers, especially within the Congress, as they try to assess how it might affect opposition unity and the party’s influence in the region.
