Meghalaya’s lone Congress MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), marking the end of the grand old party in the 60-member state assembly.
Lyngdoh, who represents the Mylliem constituency, submitted a letter of merger to Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma. He was accompanied by senior NPP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
He claimed that his move was guided by the aspirations of the people he represents and a strong desire to contribute to the state’s development and political stability.
“I have joined without any pre-conditions. My only appeal to the Chief Minister is to prioritise stability in the state and ensure development reaches the people,” he told reporters.
He stated that his shift was not a sudden decision. “This wasn’t my personal wish. I’ve been receiving requests from my people since 2018. But since I had won on a Congress ticket, I remained committed to the party. Now, with more than half the term gone, my people have made it clear—they want progress and a stable government,” Lyngdoh added.
When asked if his joining the NPP would lead to tensions with NPP leader Hamletson Dohling, who was defeated by Lyngdoh in the 2023 elections, he responded, “He is a former MLA, I am the current elected representative. Both of us are working together for the welfare of the people,” he said.
The Speaker confirmed that Lyngdoh’s resignation from the Congress and his merger with the NPP had been accepted after a thorough review.
“I received his resignation letter along with his request to merge with the NPP. After examining the letter I have found them to be in order and in line with the 10th Schedule of the Constitution. He is now considered a member of the National People’s Party with immediate effect.”
The Congress had won five seats in the 2023 assembly elections. One of them, Saleng A Sangma, was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Tura seat in 2024, while three others joined the NPP.
Celestine Lyngdoh (Umsning), Gabriel Wahlang (Nongstoiñ), and Charles Marngar (Mawhati) joined the NPP on August 19, 2024.
Their defections were recognised by the speaker under the anti-defection law, as they formed two-thirds of the Congress legislature party.
The NPP’s tally has risen to 32 MLAs, further strengthening its position at the helm of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), which includes the UDP, HSPDP and the BJP.
Meanwhile, the Speaker informed that Lyngdoh has officially withdrawn the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) he had filed before the Meghalaya High Court of Meghalaya seeking the disqualification of three legislators—Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, Charles Marngar, and Gabriel Wahlang—under the anti-defection law.
“In his letter Lyngdoh also expressed that he no longer wishes to pursue the PIL, and necessary communication to the High Court will be made by the concerned legal counsels,” the Speaker said.
In response to questions about legal implications or potential objections, the Speaker added, “I have taken my decision in accordance with the law. Anyone is free to raise objections, and if any legal complexities arise, it is for the Court to decide. As of now, I have given my ruling and recognized Lyngdoh as a member of the NPP.”
