In a significant political shift, Ronnie V Lyngdoh, the sole remaining Congress MLA in Meghalaya, formally joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Tuesday, effectively eliminating Congress’s representation in the 60-member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

Lyngdoh, representing the Mylliem constituency, submitted a letter of merger to Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, accompanied by senior NPP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, who confirmed the transition.

The Congress had secured five seats in the 2023 assembly elections, but its presence has steadily eroded. Saleng A Sangma vacated his MLA seat after winning the Tura Lok Sabha constituency, while three other MLAs—Celestine Lyngdoh (Umsning), Gabriel Wahlang (Nongstoin), and Charles Marngar (Mawhati)—defected to the NPP on August 19, 2024. Their merger was recognized under the anti-defection law, as it constituted two-thirds of Congress’s legislative strength.

Lyngdoh’s move further consolidates the NPP’s dominance, increasing its tally to 32 seats and strengthening the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government’s position under Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.

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