Lone Cong MLA leaves party, joins NPP

Earlier on August 19 last year, three Congress MLAs-Dr Celestine Lyngdoh, Gabriel Wahlang and Charles Marngar had joined the NPP.

Later, the Speaker accepted their merger with the NPP but the Congress filed a case against the trio which is still pending in the High Court.

The Speaker said he had received a letter of resignation from Ronnie in his capacity as the Opposition Chief Whip on Tuesday.

“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”, he said.

The Speaker confirmed that the letter was formally accepted around 12:30 pm on Wednesday and that the development will be reflected in the Assembly Bulletin.

It was informed to the Speaker that Ronnie has officially withdrawn the petition he had filed before the High Court of Meghalaya. The petition had sought the disqualification of three legislators—Dr. Celestine Lyngdoh, Charles Marngar, and Gabriel Wahlang—under the anti-defection law.

“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”, he said.