Three Congress MLAs are likely to join the ruling NPP ahead of the Gambegre by-election which is expected to be held in October.
Umsning MLA Celestine Lyngdoh, Nongstoin MLA Gabriel Wahlang and Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar have reportedly decided to join the NPP.
By getting the three Congress MLAs joining the NPP before the Gambegre by-poll, the NPP felt it would boost its image among the voters.
Since last week, several media reports have stated about the plan by the three Congress legislators to join the NPP following dissatisfaction with the leadership of State Congress president Vincent Pala.
The three MLAs were reportedly unhappy with Pala’s close relationship with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and other senior NPP leaders.
Interestingly, Pala, who had been informed of this development in the party, went on a personal trip to the United States of America with his family members.
However, despite the media reports, the three MLAs chose to remain tightlipped and were not available for comments. Even senior Congress leaders said that they were unaware of such a move by the MLAs.
Congress had won five seats in the State Assembly elections of 2023. However, the party’s strength was reduced to four this year with Gambegre MLA Saleng Sangma winning the Lok Sabha election from Tura parliamentary seat.
If the three MLAs decide to join NPP, the Congress’ number in the State Assembly would reduce to just one.
In that scenario, Congress MLA from Mylliem Ronnie V. Lyngdoh would have to step down from the post of leader of opposition.
The NPP already has 28 MLAs. With the addition of three more MLAs, its number would swell to 31, giving it an absolute majority in the 60-member State Assembly.
