Shillong, Jan 5: NPP legislator from Phulbari constituency, SG Esmatur Mominin, on Wednesday resigned as member of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

Mominin handed over his resignation letter to the Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh at the Assembly Secretariat in Kyndai Lad here. He is likely to soon join the opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC).

This also came after the NPP had already announced the name of former Assembly Speaker AT Mondal as its official candidate from Phulbari constituency.

Earlier, two NPP legislators – Ferlin CA Sangma (Selsella) and Benedic Marak (Raksamgre) – had resigned and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Altogether, seven legislators have so far resigned ahead of the elections reducing the strength of the House of 60 to 53.

The others include – Ampareen Lyngdoh (East Shillong), Mohendro Rapsang (West Shillong), Kimfa S Marbaniang (Rambrai-Jyrngam) and Himalaya Shangpliang (Mawsynram).

Speaking over phone from Phulbari, Mominin said, “You see, I’ve been closely following the style of governance of Ms Mamta Bannerjee and seen how the people, especially the poor and neglected have been helped to a great extent. I feel that TMC is the only party now that can truly serve our people here and I am confident that under the leadership of Dr. Mukul Sangma and Mr Charles Pyngrope, if given the chance to serve and govern, Meghalaya will realize its dream of a happy and prosperous state.”

When queried why he didn’t follow suit as his two erstwhile party colleagues Benedic and Ferlin who have joined the BJP, Mominin responded, “Yes, the BJP has sent me strong feelers to join but after consulting with my supporters and the people of Phulbari, I would say 100 percent feel that TMC is the only way, so I am honouring their wish and desire and therefore will serve the people of my constituency and the State of Meghalaya through the TMC. I am formally joining tomorrow (Thursday) at the party office in Phulbari itself.”