Shillong, Dec 29: Former MLA of Rambrai-Jyrngam Kimfa S Marbaniang on Thursday formally joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Marbaniang was welcomed by NPP national president and chief minister Conrad K Sangma in the presence Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, MLA of Nartiang Sniawbhalang Dhar, NPP State Spokesperson Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, MLA of Nongstoin Macmillan Byrsat, NPP Leader Mahendro Rapsang, and NPP State Secretary Bajop Pyngrope, among others.
Sangma has also declared Marbaniang as the official candidate of the party from Rambrai-Jyrngam Constituency in the 2023 elections.
The party said his induction into the party would support NPP more broadly, assist the state in winning more honours and expedite NPP led MDA govt’s aim to make the State be top 10 in 10 years.
On Wednesday, the suspended Congress MLA from Rambrai-Jyrngam resigned as member of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. Marbaniang had handed over his resignation letter to the Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh at the Assembly Secretariat at Khyndai Lad here.
Earlier on December 19, two suspended Congress MLAs – Ampareen Lyngdoh (East Shillong) and Mohendro Rapsang (West Shillong) had also resigned as members of the state Assembly and joined the NPP ahead of the 2023 Assembly polls.
Altogether six sitting MLAs have resigned. Those resigned include two NPP MLAs – Benedic R Marak (Raksamgre) and Ferlin CA Sangma (Selsella) and one AITC MLA Himalaya M Shangpliang (Mawsynram).
The 60-member State Assembly now has come down to 54 members.
Meanwhile, the other two suspended Congress legislators Mayralborn Syiem (Nongpoh) and PT Sawkmie (Mawlai) will also soon resign as MLAs and are likely to join the United Democratic Party (UDP).
