SHILLONG – Veteran regional leader Martle N. Mukhim has warned that regionalism in Meghalaya is nearing extinction, as indigenous parties are increasingly being overshadowed by national parties from Delhi and internal divisions continue to weaken the regional political space.
Mukhim was speaking against the backdrop of reports that nine UDP MLAs could leave the party for the BJP. He said the development was deeply discouraging for those who had believed regional parties were created to protect Meghalaya’s interests and the rights of its indigenous people.
“Personally, I feel very hopeless. I always believed regional parties existed for the community, but as things stand today, the prevailing trend suggests that regional parties may no longer survive,” Mukhim said.
He warned that the departure of nine of the UDP’s 12 MLAs would leave the party “completely crippled” and further reduce the strength of regional politics in Meghalaya. Mukhim said regional parties were meant to uphold issues specific to the state, but the political space they occupy is now being squeezed by larger national parties and divisions within the regional camp.
The former minister, MLA and MDC also criticised the Voice of the People Party, saying political discourse in Meghalaya had deteriorated and elected representatives were increasingly showing little respect for one another
.“As things stand, the VPP seems engaged in constant childish chatter. Even inside the House, it lacks decorum and mutual respect among representatives, resembling dogs fighting over bones,” he said.
He also questioned the VPP’s political promises, saying some commitments made by the party would be difficult to fulfil even if it came to power.
Mukhim’s criticism comes as the UDP faces the prospect of losing a large part of its legislative strength. Former UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh is set to join the BJP on September 12, while nine UDP MLAs are reportedly considering a move to the national party.
Mukhim, who is no longer with the UDP and is associated with the HSPDP, also said he would not contest the upcoming Shillong Lok Sabha by-election. He said he currently had no political platform to contest from and preferred to stay away rather than face public embarrassment. He said the newly formed Political Affairs Committee would instead provide a platform to discuss Meghalaya’s political direction and responsible governance.
“I have been deeply concerned about the future of the indigenous people. That is why we formed the PAC—to discuss the urgent need for responsible governance,” he said.
Mukhim’s warning goes beyond the fate of the UDP. Nine defections would weaken one of Meghalaya’s principal regional parties while strengthening a national party that is already preparing for a larger political role in the state. For a veteran regional politician, that is a sign that the political space once occupied by indigenous parties is steadily shrinking.
