Shillong: The opposition Congress has filed a fresh petition before Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, seeking the disqualification of four former party legislators who recently switched allegiance to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
The petition, submitted by Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) secretary Manuel Badwar to Assembly commissioner and secretary Andrew Simons, argues that the defections do not meet the mandatory two-thirds majority clause required for a valid merger.
The complaint was lodged under Rule 6 of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 1988, read with paragraph 2(1)(a) of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
The four MLAs—Ronnie V Lyngdoh (Mylliem), Celestine Lyngdoh (Umsning), Charles Marngar (Mawhati) and Gabriel Wahlang (Nongstoin)—joined the NPP in two phases. Ronnie Lyngdoh crossed over on July 30, followed by the other three on August 19, 2024.
Their move effectively erased Congress from the 60-member Assembly, where it had five seats after the 2023 elections.
The remaining legislator, Saleng A Sangma, had earlier resigned as Gambegre MLA before winning the Tura Lok Sabha seat.
Speaker Thomas A Sangma has already recognised the merger of the four MLAs with the NPP.
Responding to queries, Assembly secretary Andrew Simons said the Speaker will review the petition and issue a ruling.
“If Congress is not satisfied with the decision, it can approach the court,” he added.
Badwar, speaking to reporters, maintained that the party’s challenge is based on constitutional principles rather than political vendetta.
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“Democracy is at stake. These actions go against the Constitution, and legislators cannot take the democratic process for granted,” he asserted.
He argued that since the defections occurred in separate phases, they cannot be considered a single, valid merger.
The Congress leader further claimed that the party is on a path to revival both at the state and national level, with several politicians expressing interest in joining.
However, he clarified that discussions on potential alliances would only take place closer to the next elections.
