This lack of substantiation led to immediate backlash from lawmakers, fellow politicians, and the public alike. Many demanded that Mukul Sangma provide evidence to support his allegations or publicly retract his statement. The controversy deepened when a group of individuals and organizations, including anti-drug advocacy groups, lawyers, and concerned citizens, served him with a legal notice.

The legal notice alleges that Sangma’s ‘drug kingpin’ remark is defamatory and baseless, tarnishing the reputation of the state and its residents. It calls for Mukul Sangma to issue a public apology and retract his statement. Additionally, should he possess any substantial evidence to support his claim, the notice demands that he present it. Failure to comply with these demands could result in legal action being taken against the former Chief Minister.

The issue of drug trafficking has been a pressing concern in Meghalaya, as it has been in many other regions worldwide. The state government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, has been diligently working to combat the illegal drug trade and the associated social and health issues it brings.

However, this controversy raises broader questions about responsible discourse within legislative bodies. Critics argue that making unsubstantiated allegations without evidence in a public forum can have serious repercussions, not only for the individual targeted but also for the credibility of elected representatives and the democratic process itself.

Mukul Sangma’s legal team has yet to issue a formal response to the legal notice. The case has garnered significant attention from both political observers and the public, as it touches upon issues of accountability, transparency, and the boundaries of political rhetoric within a democratic framework.