Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s absence from the Republic Day 2026 celebrations has incited significant criticism from the Opposition Congress. The party’s working president, Deborah Marak, criticized Sangma for not attending important state events, emphasizing that, as the head of government, he should have been presented to take the salute during these national celebrations. She highlighted that his absence was noted during official functions in both the Khasi Hills and Garo Hills regions, suggesting that it showed a lack of regard for the significance of the occasion and the people of the state.
Marak further questioned Sangma’s responsibilities as CM, stating, “We heard the Chief Minister was roaming, but as CM, it was his responsibility to take the salute.” In contrast, the state’s Governor, C.H. Vijayashankar, took the salute at the main ceremony in Shillong, while Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas Sangma presided over the Republic Day function in Tura. The Chief Minister’s lack of social media engagement regarding his absence from the celebrations has added to the controversy and speculation about his whereabouts, reinforcing the perception that he may not be fully engaged in his responsibilities during such pivotal state occasions.