Shillong, July 30: In a major setback, the opposition Congress has lost its last representative in the state Assembly with its legislator from Mylliem Ronnie V Lyngdoh joining the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday.
This move reduces the Congress’ strength to zero in the state Assembly.
Lyngdoh has cited the wishes of his supporters and leaders as the reason for his decision, stating that they had requested him to reconsider his affiliation with the Congress party in the interest of the people of his constituency.
The Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has accepted the resignation of Lyngdoh as the opposition chief whip and recognised him as a member of the NPP after declaring Lyngdoh’s resignation letter and request to merge with the NPP to be in order.
The Mylliem legislator was accompanied by deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, his family members, party leaders and workers.
Speaking to media persons, Lyngdoh said, “My supporters, my leaders are taking everything into consideration regarding the scenario in the state, they have requested me to reconsider your affiliation with the Indian National Congress (INC) and for the interest of the people of the constituency, they have requested me to reconsider my affiliation to the INC and this is the culmination of that.”
“There is nothing wrong with the Congress. But then we had five MLAs out of which one was elected as Tura MP and three left the party. I was left all alone. So then the people said in the interest of the constituency you reconsider your position as an MLA of the Congress and after discussion with them, took several months taking everything into consideration this is the decision we arrived at that I join the NPP for the interest of the constituency and to meet the expectation and aspiration of the people,” he added.
Lyngdoh emphasised that the Congress party still exists, despite not having any legislators in the Assembly. He drew parallels with other political parties, such as the KHNAM, which continue to function as political entities even without MLAs.
Lyngdoh stated that all his leaders and supporters have joined him in his decision to join the NPP. He credited the leadership of the Chief Minister for driving development projects in the state and expressed his gratitude to the people for their support.
“I am guided by the wishes and hopes of the people. Yes, you can say it is becuase of the leadership (of chief minister). You can see alot of things happening around for example, four laning of Shillong Dawki road is happening under his leadership becuase for most of us to come out of the house and go out especially to come to Shillong it is a daily nightmare. I believe with the completion of the project, we are going to reach wherever we want to go in time.”
The legislator also outrightly denied there was any terms and conditions being put forth while joining the NPP.
On whether there is any arrangment made between him and former MLA Hamletson Dohling, Lyngdoh said, “That was never in my mind because if there is two and a half years my job is to work for constituency and the people and for that we will cross the bridge as and when it comes.”
When asked about his plans for 2028 Assembly polls, Lyngdoh said it depends on the NPP’s decision regarding his role in the party.
“Now that I am with the NPP it depends on them whom they think best and (who has) winnability and all that,” he stated while emphasising that his priority is to work for the people and the constituency.
To another query if Congress president Vincent H Pala has failed the party, Lyngdoh however said, “We are very good in term at a personal and political level but regarding his position it is up to the high command to take a call on that. I am nobody to decide on his position.”
If he had consulted Pala before quiting the Congress, the Mylliem legislator said, “You see I owe it to my people because it is the people who have elected me. He is the head of the party but whatever decision I take it is for the interest of the people, for the people and by the people.”
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