Meghalaya: Congress Unshaken by Ronnie Lyngdoh’s Exit

Shillong: The Meghalaya Congress has said it is not surprised or discouraged by the resignation of its only MLA, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, senior party leaders said they were aware of Lyngdoh’s talks with the NPP and accepted his decision without resentment.

Deborah Marak, Working President of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee, confirmed the receipt of Lyngdoh’s resignation, along with letters from his Block President and General Secretary. She said the MLA cited consultation with his supporters as the reason for his departure.

“We respect his decision. It was taken along with his workers. We thank him for his service and move ahead,” said Marak.

Despite the loss, Congress leaders insisted the party remains strong at the grassroots level. “Even without a single MLA, we are ready to rebuild. In Garo Hills, we had no MLA or MDC during the last MP polls but still won the Tura seat. That shows our base is strong,” she added.

Manuel Badwar, Congress General Secretary and Media In-charge, called Lyngdoh’s move a blow to a court case in which he was a key petitioner. “He was leading a legal fight against defections. Now, by joining the NPP, the case stands weakened,” Badwar said.

He also accused the NPP of engaging in “transactional politics” driven by personal gains. “This trend of switching sides for power or profit is a threat to democracy,” he said.

Both Marak and Badwar dismissed suggestions of a leadership crisis. “Our state president is active. The Congress Bhawan is open daily. We are reorganizing at the grassroots and many former leaders are returning,” Marak said.

As the party eyes a revival, they emphasized that true leadership will emerge from the people. “We are focused on the grassroots. That’s where new leaders will rise,” Marak concluded.