Salseng C Marak, the former Chief Minister of Meghalaya and a prominent Congress party leader, passed away on Friday at the age of 82. Marak died at Tura Civil Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment since August 12, following initial care at Holy Cross Hospital starting August 8. Serving as Meghalaya’s Chief Minister from 1993 to 1998, Marak was the sixth individual to hold the office. A respected politician, he represented the Resubelpara constituency in North Garo Hills in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. Known for his integrity and termed the ‘Mr. Clean’ of Meghalaya politics, Marak was admired for his steadfast principles and leadership.
Marak was notably vocal about the dangers of connections between militants and politicians, warning that such links could undermine Congress policies and principles. His leadership also extended to his role as president of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) in 2003. Although his tenure as Chief Minister was brief, lasting only 12 days in March 1998 before his coalition resigned, Marak’s influence on the state’s political landscape was significant.
Born in 1941, Marak was an alumnus of Scottish Church College in Kolkata. His death signifies the end of an important chapter in Meghalaya’s political history. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former CM Salseng C Marak. His contributions to Meghalaya’s development will always be remembered. My condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
