CORRESPONDENT
SHILLONG: In a significant political shift in Meghalaya, the Indian National Congress lost its last remaining MLA in the state Assembly after Ronnie V Lyngdoh of Mylliem formally resigned from the party and joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday. This move brings the Congress’s representation in the 60-member Assembly to zero, marking the end of its legislative presence in a state it once dominated.
Lyngdoh’s resignation was submitted to Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma and promptly accepted. The Speaker also relieved him from his duties as opposition chief whip and recognized him as a member of the NPP. The formal proceedings were attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, former Mylliem MLA Hamletson Dohling, and NPP strategist Daniel M Thangkhiew, signalling a well-orchestrated political realignment.
Lyngdoh becomes the fourth Congress legislator to defect to the NPP in less than a year, following Dr Celestine Lyngdoh, Gabriel Wahlang, and Charles Marngar, who joined the ruling party in August 2024. With this latest defection, the NPP’s strength in the Assembly rises to 33 MLAs, further consolidating Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s political hold.
Explaining his decision, Lyngdoh said, “My supporters and leaders, after considering the current political scenario, asked me to reconsider my affiliation with the Indian National Congress in the interest of the constituency. After months of deliberation, I decided to join the NPP.”
He emphasized that his choice was not driven by dissatisfaction with the Congress but by political isolation. “There’s nothing wrong with the Congress, but after three MLAs left and one was elected MP, I was left alone. The people urged me to act in their interest,” he added.
Lyngdoh also dismissed any suggestions of backroom deals, asserting, “There are no terms and conditions involved in my joining the NPP.” He declined to speculate on any future political arrangements with Hamletson Dohling or his own candidacy in the 2028 elections, stating that his immediate focus is on serving his constituents.
Maintaining a respectful tone toward the Congress leadership, Lyngdoh said he shares good relations with Meghalaya Congress president Vincent H Pala but insisted his decision was guided by the electorate. “I owe it to my people. They elected me, and I must act in their interest.”
He also praised Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s leadership, particularly in driving infrastructural development. “The four-laning of the Shillong-Dawki road is one example. Under his leadership, we’re witnessing real progress.”
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