Mylliem MLA and cabinet minister Hamletson Dohling has confirmed that he will quit the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) in the New Year and switch sides to the National People’s Party (NPP).
Speaking to reporters today, Dohling said that he will resign as an MLA (required for defecting legislators) on January 4 and formally join the NPP three days later. He said that the decision has received the complete agreement from his supporters.
It has been an open secret that Dohling was looking to quit the PDF and equally that he would join the NPP. The first-time MLA is one of only four PDF legislators in the Assembly.
The NPP did not contest the Mylliem constituency in 2018. Dohlin carried the seat by more than 400 votes to then incumbent, Ronnie Lyngdoh (8,493 to 8,028).
“My decision is not an individual one but has come after 36 leaders from Mylliem constituency made the suggestion,” Dohling said today. “It is not an election fight between political parties but among candidates.”
Informing that he will release a progress report highlighting his performance in his first term as MLA, he said, “The people will give me their support. I will release the report on January 7.”
Asked if he was facing a threat from Lyngdoh, who is the Mylliem MDC, he stated that the electorate does not look at the political party but rather at the person who performs. Lyngdoh was announced this week as the Congress Party candidate. He is a long-time Congressman and former cabinet minister.
