SHILLOMG, July 30: In a significant political development, Meghalaya’s lone remaining Congress legislator, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, formally joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday, marking the complete absence of the Indian National Congress in the 60-member state assembly.
Lyngdoh, who represented the Mylliem constituency and served as the Opposition Chief Whip, submitted a letter of merger to Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma. The merger was accepted in the presence of senior NPP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.
“After examining his letter, I have found it to be in order. Hence, from now onwards, he will be recognised as an MLA of the NPP in the House,” said Speaker Thomas A Sangma. “Lyngdoh has formally joined the NPP today,” added an elated Dhar.
Lyngdoh’s defection follows that of three other Congress MLAs—Celestine Lyngdoh (Umsning), Gabriel Wahlang (Nongstoin), and Charles Marngar (Mawhati)—who switched to the NPP in August 2024. Their move, alongside Lyngdoh’s, effectively dissolves the Congress presence in the assembly. Another Congress MLA, Saleng A Sangma, vacated his seat after winning the Lok Sabha election from the Tura constituency in 2024.
With Lyngdoh’s induction, the NPP’s tally has risen to 32 MLAs, further solidifying its hold on power within the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), which is supported by regional allies—the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP)—as well as the BJP.
However, the Congress lashed out at the NPP, accusing the ruling party of orchestrating defections through unethical means. “The shopping spree of the ruling NPP from the money raised through corruption and looting of the people of Meghalaya continues,” alleged AICC joint secretary in charge of Meghalaya, Mathew Antony.
He likened the defection to a “biblical betrayal,” referencing Judas. “Same as with our 3+1 MLAs who committed their loyalty to win as MLAs with the hand symbol of the Congress party and then betrayed us for the silver coins offered to them,” Antony said.
He added that Lyngdoh had not tendered a resignation to the party and implied that the switch was motivated by fears of electoral defeat and denial of renomination. “Congress was there before these MLAs and we will be there stronger with new leaders inducted into the party in the coming days,” he concluded.
