Shillong, Mar 31: Former cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh MLA continues to remain noncommittal over a possible run for the Shillong Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming by-election.
Speaking to reporters today, Lyngdoh, who lost the 2024 parliamentary election, said that the decision on her candidature rests with the National People’s Party (NPP) leadership and not her alone.
Lyngdoh, the East Shillong MLA, finished third in the election behind winner Ricky AJ Syngkon of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) and previous MP, Vincent Pala of the Congress. Syngkon’s sudden death in February has precipitated a by-election.
Describing the present political climate as “a very strange situation,” Lyngdoh said conflicting reports about MLAs joining or leaving parties have added to public confusion. “On the one hand, you’re hearing of the willingness of MLAs to join the NPP bandwagon and, on the other, rumours of MLAs leaving. This is typical of the Indian democratic scenario – very active but not always easy for the public to understand,” she said.
Lyngdoh, who herself has defected from one party to another on a few occasions in her political career, urged citizens to wait for the filing of nominations to get a clearer picture, stressing that political shifts are not as simple as they may appear. “It is not a simple proposition for a candidate or a sitting MLA to suddenly decide to change sides. People will understand better once nominations are filed or as 2028 draws closer,” she added.
On whether she would contest the MP by-election, Lyngdoh reiterated that the decision lies with party leadership. “Being keen is not the key word here. It is what the party decides,” she said, affirming her commitment to the NPP. “
Instead, her focus remains on long-term engagement with her constituency ahead of the 2028 elections. “I do not wish to be distracted. My journey is an in-depth one, and I will not file my nomination unless I have connected with citizens at large,” she stated.
Lyngdoh also made it clear that candidature decisions are taken collectively. “It is not my decision alone. Party leaders will sit, deliberate and decide what is best. We function within a party framework and it would be irresponsible for me to speak beyond that,” she said.
She also expressed hope that the current coalition would continue beyond 2028, noting that sustained effort and thorough groundwork are essential for political success.
Meanwhile, she joined in the collective pat on the back that MLAs of the ruling alliance have been giving the government in recent days. Lyngdoh praised the government for what she described as improvements in road connectivity, healthcare, education and police.
While she admitted that there are allegations of illegal coal mining under the government’s watch, Lyngdoh played them down, saying such claims are not uncommon against governments but must be substantiated with evidence.
