Shillong, Aug 16: Former Chief Minister and staunch Congress party leader SC Marak (83), who passed away on Friday, never changed his loyalty despite the temptations from his contemporaries from time to time.
He passed away at Tura Civil Hospital around 10 am following illness.
He was not eating for many days, said Comgress leader Deborah Marak.
His funeral will be held on Saturday at Resubelpara, North Garo Hills.
In his earlier interviews, Marak had said about invitations by various political parties but he liked to remain with the Congress party.
When former Congress leader PA Sangma was in both NCP and NPP, Marak stood by his principle of not deserting the Congress.
Similarly, his contemporary DD Lapang’s exit from the Congress and entry to NPP did not affect Marak as in good and bad times, the party was his comfort.
At a time when the elections are fought on money power, people came with whatever little they have and helped Marak to win the first few Assembly elections after the formation of the state.
Clean administration was his priority and hence he was known as ‘Mr Clean’ like his counterpart in Khasi Hills late BB Lyngdoh.
When there used to be frequent demands for change of leadership in the Congress, Marak was the eyes and ears of the All India Congress Committee.
Though Marak was also a victim of toppling game by the partners in the government, he was the first one to lead a stable government for five years from 1993 and 1998.
In the tussle for leadership amid factionalism, there were instances when Marak was ignored by some leaders in the party which had even led to his defeat in one or two Assembly polls.
