The Hon’ble Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Shri Thomas A Sangma, on Wednesday, 30th July 2025, officially accepted the letter of merger submitted by Shri Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, MLA of Mylliem Constituency, signifying his decision to join the National People’s Party (NPP).
Speaking to the media, the Speaker stated:
“I have received a letter of resignation from Shri Ronnie V Lyngdoh in his capacity as the Opposition Chief Whip yesterday. Today, he submitted his intent to merge with the National People’s Party (NPP). After careful examination of the documents, with assistance from my staff, legal advisers, and law officers, I have found the letter to be valid and in compliance with the provisions laid under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Accordingly, I have accepted the merger and recognized Shri Ronnie V Lyngdoh as a member of the NPP with immediate effect.”
The Speaker confirmed that the letter was formally accepted at around 12:30 PM today and that the development will be reflected in the Assembly Bulletin.
Additionally, it was informed that Shri Ronnie V Lyngdoh has officially withdrawn the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) he had filed before the Hon’ble High Court of Meghalaya. The PIL had sought the disqualification of three legislators—Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, Shri Charles Marngar, and Shri Gabriel Wahlang—under the anti-defection law. The Speaker stated:
“In his letter, Shri Lyngdoh also expressed that he no longer wishes to pursue the PIL, and necessary communication to the Hon’ble High Court will be made by the concerned legal counsels.”
In response to questions about legal implications or potential objections, the Speaker added:
“I have taken my decision in accordance with the law. Anyone is free to raise objections, and if any legal complexities arise, it is for the Court to decide. As of now, I have given my ruling and recognized Shri Lyngdoh as a member of the NPP.”
Significantly, with this merger, the Indian National Congress no longer has any representation in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.