The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has suffered a significant political setback in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills after three Members of the District Council (MDCs) joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on November 4, 2026. The development followed earlier indications that the legislators were preparing to switch allegiance ahead of the next Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections. The new entrants include Cherak Watre Momin, Agassi R. Marak, and Alphonsush R. Marak. Their induction strengthens the NPP’s position in the district council and creates fresh challenges for the opposition TMC.
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Three TMC MDCs Formally Join NPP
The three MDCs joined the NPP during an induction programme in Shillong. Chief Minister and NPP national president Conrad K. Sangma welcomed them into the party.
The new members are Cherak Watre Momin from Kharkutta, Agassi R. Marak from Balachanda, and Alphonsush R. Marak from Williamnagar.
Their departure marks a setback for the TMC’s presence in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. Moreover, the move gives the ruling NPP additional political support ahead of the next council elections.
Former Director of Mineral Resources Pius D. Sangma also joined the NPP during the programme.
Following the induction, the NPP’s strength in the 60-member GHADC increased to 21 members.
Cherak Momin’s Exit Draws Political Attention
Cherak Watre Momin’s decision to join the NPP has attracted particular attention because of his political association with former Meghalaya Chief Minister and TMC leader Mukul Sangma.
Cherak had been regarded as a close associate of the former Chief Minister. Therefore, his departure represents a notable development for the TMC’s organisation in the Garo Hills.
He also serves as an Executive Member in the NPP-led GHADC administration. His move could strengthen the ruling party’s position within the council’s leadership structure.
Meanwhile, Cherak indicated that his immediate priority was to work within the NPP and contribute to the council’s development. He also expressed interest in contesting the forthcoming GHADC elections.
His political shift adds another dimension to the changing political alignments ahead of the council polls.
Agassi and Alphonsush Marak Explain Their Decisions
Agassi R. Marak and Alphonsush R. Marak also explained their reasons for joining the NPP.
Agassi said he wanted to advance his political journey and contribute through the ruling party. He also referred to the challenges faced by the TMC in gaining wider acceptance in the region.
Meanwhile, Alphonsush highlighted the long-standing demand for a separate electoral roll in the GHADC. He said the NPP’s position on the issue influenced his decision to join the party.
He also referred to proposed changes involving electoral procedures and district council administration. According to him, these issues had remained important during his earlier political activities.
Furthermore, Alphonsush clarified that he did not intend to contest the 2028 Meghalaya Assembly elections. His immediate focus would remain on his role within the district council.
NPP Strengthens Its Position Ahead of GHADC Elections
The induction comes as political parties prepare for the next GHADC elections. The NPP currently leads the district council administration and has continued to strengthen its organisational presence in the Garo Hills.
The council’s current term received a six-month extension in October 2026. The extension aims to provide additional time for preparations, including the creation of a fresh electoral roll.
Consequently, the latest political shift comes at an important stage for the ruling party and its opposition.
The NPP’s increased membership could influence candidate selection and campaign planning across several constituencies. It also gives the party additional representation among local political leaders.
However, the final electoral impact will depend on voter response and the parties’ performance during the forthcoming campaign.
TMC Faces Fresh Challenges in Garo Hills
The departure of three sitting MDCs creates another challenge for the TMC in Meghalaya. The party has relied on its political presence in the Garo Hills, particularly through former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.
Cherak Momin’s departure carries additional significance because of his association with the senior TMC leader. Meanwhile, the exits of Agassi and Alphonsush Marak further reduce the party’s representation in the district council.
The development could also affect the TMC’s preparations for the next GHADC elections. The party will need to assess its organisational position and identify candidates for the upcoming contest.
However, the latest defections involve district council members. They do not establish any immediate change in the TMC’s representation in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma also clarified before the induction that no TMC MLAs had communicated plans to join the NPP.
Political Realignment Ahead of Council Polls
The three MDCs’ move highlights the changing political landscape in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills. The NPP has gained additional council members, while the TMC faces questions about its organisational strength.
At the same time, the upcoming GHADC elections will test the parties’ support among voters. Issues involving electoral rolls, local administration, and district development are likely to remain important.
The NPP will seek to build on its expanded council presence. Meanwhile, the TMC will face the task of strengthening its position after losing three sitting representatives.
Ultimately, the next council election will provide a clearer picture of how these political changes affect voter support across the Garo Hills.
Conclusion
Three TMC MDCs have joined the NPP in a significant political realignment ahead of the next GHADC elections. Cherak Watre Momin, Agassi R. Marak, and Alphonsush R. Marak formally joined the ruling party on November 4. Their induction increased the NPP’s strength in the district council to 21 members. The development presents fresh challenges for the TMC, particularly in the Garo Hills. The upcoming council elections will show how these defections influence the region’s political landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many TMC MDCs joined the NPP?
Three TMC members of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council joined the NPP on November 4, 2026.
2. Who are the three MDCs who joined the NPP?
The new members are Cherak Watre Momin, Agassi R. Marak, and Alphonsush R. Marak.
3. Who welcomed the new members into the NPP?
Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP national president Conrad K. Sangma welcomed the three MDCs.
4. What is the NPP’s strength in the GHADC after the induction?
The NPP’s strength in the 60-member council increased to 21 members.
5. Why did Alphonsush Marak join the NPP?
He cited the party’s position on the demand for a separate GHADC electoral roll as an important factor behind his decision.
6. Will the defections affect the TMC’s Assembly representation?
The three defections involve GHADC members, not Meghalaya MLAs. Therefore, they do not directly change the TMC’s Assembly representation.