Shillong, Oct 19: Three United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators—Paul Lyngdoh, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar and Nujorki Sungoh—on Monday submitted their merger application to Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma seeking to merge with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
The legislators submitted the letter along with resolutions at the Speaker’s office. They were accompanied by NPP State President Prestone Tynsong, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar and Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma confirmed receipt of the application but said recognition would not be a mere formality despite his earlier recognition of eight UDP MLAs merging with BJP.
“Some people may feel that since I have already recognised the merger of eight MLAs earlier, this will be just a formality. But it is not like that,” Sangma said, adding he would examine documents and seek legal opinion before issuing his ruling.
The Speaker said he needs to verify whether each legislator has agreed voluntarily. While Lyngdoh and Tongkhar appeared before him, Sungoh was away for medical treatment. He said he would seek legal advice on whether Sungoh’s consent can be verified online or if physical presence is necessary. He said a decision is expected in a few days.
This is the fifth merger application during his tenure, Sangma noted.
Tynsong said the NPP’s strength would rise from 33 to 36 if merger is recognised, but maintained the decision rests with the Speaker. “We leave it to the wisdom of the Speaker,” he said.
Paul Lyngdoh said the joining was unconditional and collective. “There were no conditions put forward. It was an unconditional joining of the NPP,” he said, adding it was not due to personal differences with UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh. On Cabinet reshuffle, he said the decision rests with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
Tongkhar said performance of MDA-I and MDA-II influenced his decision and that he consulted his constituents in Mawkyrwat. “If we really want to strengthen our political party led by our people, the only scope is the NPP,” he said.
Meanwhile, UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh expelled the three MLAs from primary membership with immediate effect from October 19.
