Shillong, Aug 1: National People’s Party (NPP) state president and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has refuted claims that his party is luring MLAs from other outfits with monetary offers.
Speaking to reporters today, a couple of days after the defection of Congress MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh to the NPP, Tynsong said that MLAs choosing to join the NPP are doing so not for money (as was alleged by the Congress) but because of the party’s strong focus on development. “It’s not about money. These MLAs have joined because they believe in the NPP’s development agenda,” he stated.
He asserted that decisions like Lyngdoh’s are made in consultation with constituents, not in isolation. “It’s not Ronnie who decided alone. It’s the will of the people he represents. If the people didn’t want him to join, why would he? This shows the people are now placing their faith in the NPP because of one reason – development,” Tynsong said.
Citing the recent spate of Congress legislators merging with the NPP, he pointed out that these MLAs would not have taken such steps without engaging with their supporters. “Four Congress MLAs have now joined us. That speaks volumes about public sentiment.”
Tynsong also underscored the NPP’s inclusive approach to politics, saying the party is open to welcoming any elected representative willing to work for development. “We have a big room and the door is open. If all 60 MLAs want to come, we’ll be glad. The more, the merrier,” he said with a smile.
He encouraged those joining to embrace the party’s vision. “If you believe in development, come and join us – today, tomorrow, even a year before elections. We welcome everyone who shares that goal,” he added.
Asked for his comments since he had taunted the Congress as a sinking ship, Tynsong suggested the party introspect and fix its internal problems instead of blaming others for its dwindling numbers. “The Congress needs to do some serious repair work. It’s not about others breaking your party – it’s about what’s broken within,” he remarked.
Tynsong himself is a former Congressman, having quit the party in favour of the NPP ahead of the 2018 election. Several other legislators joined the NPP before the 2023 polls, though with mixed success. Since then an allied party, the People’s Democratic Front, folded itself into the NPP.
Tynsong firmly dismissed any notion that the NPP is out to dismantle rival political groups. “We’re not here to destroy VPP, UDP, HSPDP or anyone else. That’s not our mission. Our focus is on development. We lose sleep over how to bring progress to every corner of Meghalaya,” he said.
