The 'Prashant Kishor factor' in TMC's Meghalaya coup

Late on Monday evening, 12 out of 17 Congress MLAs in Meghalaya, led by former CM Mukul Sangma, joined the TMC leaving Congress with only 5 seats in the 60 member assembly.

On Tuesday morning, Sangma told reporters that it was a meeting with Mamata Banerjee's political strategist Prashant Kishor that strengthen his belief in the TMC as an effective opposition in the country.

"While looking for options for an opposition space, I ended up meeting my good friend Prashant Kishor-ji, whom we all know, who can make a difference. I'm very happy to disclose, when we interacted, we shared the same objective - interest of the people supersede everything," Sangma said.

Also watch: Mamata's Meghalaya coup: 12 of 17 Congress MLAs switch to Trinamool

It was Prashant Kishor who formulated TMC chief's election strategy for Bengal polls held earlier this year and he now seems to be paving the way for a national stage.

Recently, three-term Congress MP from Bihar Kirti Azad, former JD(U) general secretary Pawan Varma and Haryana politician Ashok Tanwar joined the TMC.

In Goa, former CM Luizinho Faleiro joined Didi's party in September giving TMC a presence in Goa.

Former Congress leader and key member of Rahul Gandhi's team, Sushmita Dev joined the party in August.