Sangma proves detractors wrong, makes difference

From Delhi to Shillong, and from an MP to a mentor MLA- Nationalist Congress Party leader Purno A Sangma has come a long way.

From Delhi to Shillong, and from an MP to a mentor MLA 8212; Nationalist Congress Party NCP leader Purno A Sangma has come a long way.

Many greeted with disbelief Sangma8217;s decision to quit national politics, as he had spent 30 years as a Tura Lok Sabha MP 8212; 15 years as Union Minister, and two-and-a-half years as the Lok Sabha speaker.

Sangma put all doubts to rest by resigning the Lok Sabha seat after being elected to the state Assembly.

In the just-concluded election to the 60-member Assembly, the NCP got just 14 seats. The Congress picked up 25 seats and emerged as the single largest party. Sangma, however, played a crucial role in forging a post-poll coalition, Meghalaya Progressive Alliance MPA, with regional parties and two Independents to take the MPA tally to 31 legislators. He took a back seat, offering the CM post to UDP president and MPA chairman Donkupar Roy.

8220;I oversaw development of the country by heading various Union ministries, now I would like to devote the rest of my life to overseeing development of my state,8221; says Sangma, swearing not to go back to national politics. 8220;Having spent 30 years in New Delhi, I know from where to get funds for development of the state.8221;

If the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance MUA coalition Government fails the trial of strength on March 19, Sangma will be playing a crucial role in forming the MPA Government. 8220;If we want development, we also need different companies to come and invest in the state,8221; says he, adding he will use his contacts with several MNCs, national and international financial institutions to bring investment to Meghalaya.

Sangma also wants to play the role of a mentor to young legislators. 8220;I want to teach the young legislators the nitty-gritty of Assembly functioning and the Indian Constitution.8221; As a father, he is already grooming his two sons 8212; Conrad and James who have been elected to the Assembly 8212; to be 8220;good politicians8221;. 8220;So far, I am happy with the way my two boys are shaping up.8221;