From Delhi to Shillong, and from an MP to a mentor MLA — Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Purno A Sangma has come a long way.Many greeted with disbelief Sangma’s decision to quit national politics, as he had spent 30 years as a Tura Lok Sabha MP — 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. “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,” says Sangma, swearing not to go back to national politics. “Having spent 30 years in New Delhi, I know from where to get funds for development of the state.” 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. “If we want development, we also need different companies to come and invest in the state,” 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. “I want to teach the young legislators the nitty-gritty of Assembly functioning and the Indian Constitution.” As a father, he is already grooming his two sons — Conrad and James who have been elected to the Assembly — to be “good politicians”. “So far, I am happy with the way my two boys are shaping up.”
