Shillong, July 30: Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma on Wednesday confirmed the resignation of Congress MLA Ronnie V. Lyngdoh and his merger with the National People’s Party (NPP), marking the end of Congress’s presence in the 60-member House.

“I received his resignation and his desire to merge with the NPP. With assistance from legal advisers and my staff, we found the application valid under the provisions of the 10th Schedule of the Indian Constitution,” said Sangma. “Accordingly, I have accepted his application. He is now a member of the National People’s Party with immediate effect.”

The Speaker noted that objections, if any, could be raised as part of the democratic process but clarified that his decision stands.

Lyngdoh’s move boosts the ruling NPP’s strength to 33 MLAs. Until now, he had been the lone Congress legislator in the Assembly.

Explaining his decision, Lyngdoh said his constituents had long urged him to join the ruling party. “It wasn’t my personal wish. People have been urging me since 2018. I stayed with the Congress as I was elected on its ticket. But now, with more than half the term gone, my constituents believe it’s time we prioritize stability and development,” he said.

He added that his decision came without conditions. “My only request to the Chief Minister is to ensure stability and development for the people.”

Asked about potential friction with Hamletson Dohling, the NPP leader he defeated in the last election, Lyngdoh dismissed concerns. “I’ve been elected by the people. Hamlet is a former MLA. We are both committed to working together for our constituency.”

On his future candidacy for the Mylliem seat, Lyngdoh said, “We’ll decide when the time comes—when we cross that bridge.”

Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma also informed that Lyngdoh has formally withdrawn his Public Interest Litigation (PIL) from the High Court of Meghalaya. “In his letter, he clearly stated that he no longer wishes to pursue the PIL,” the Speaker said.

It may be recalled that in September 2024, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh had submitted two disqualification petitions to the Speaker against Celestine Lyngdoh, Charles Marngar, and Gabriel Wahlang — all former Congress legislators.

Asserting that the case for disqualification was compelling, the Congress party had earlier warned it would seek a directive from the High Court if the Speaker failed to initiate action on the petitions.

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