Shifting of loyalty in Meghalaya: More than 3 MLAs left assembly, party

Its shifting of loyalty in Meghalaya ahead of assembly polls. On Thursday three more legislators of local parties left the Assembly, and their parties. All three - Hamlet Dohling (Mylliem), Samlin Malngiang (Sohiong), and Jason Sawkmie (Umsning) - are likely to join the ruling National People's Party (NPP) soon. While Dohling and Sawkmie belonged to the People's Democratic Front, Malngiang belonged to the Hill State People's Democratic Party.

NPP MLA from Phulbari, S.G Esmatur Mominin, along with former MLA Robinus Syngkon, joined the Trinamool Congress. Two of the five Congress MLAs in Meghalaya -- Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh and Mohendro Rapsang -- joined the ruling NPP on December 19 last year.

In February last year All India Congress Committee (AICC) approved suspension of five congress MLAs in Meghalaya for supporting BJP supported Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government by keeping the central and state leaders in the dark. On February 8 five MLAs include– Ampareen Lyngdoh, Kimfa Marbaniang, Mayralborn Syiem, PT Sawkmie and Mohendro Rapsang joined the MDA coalition.


In November 2021 led by former chief minister Mukul Sangma, 12 out of the 17 Congress MLAs had submitted a letter to the speaker, announcing their merger with West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress.

The BJP stated several candidates have shown their interest to contest the 2023 Assembly election on BJP tickets. Even the NPP claimed that several MLAs are in touch with it and will soon join the party.

Recently four MLAs in Meghalaya joined the BJP. Two MLAs belonged to BJP’s ally National People's Party, one independent and one from Trinamool Congress. Benedik Marak, Ferlin Sangma, Himalaya Shangpliang and Samuel Sangma joined BJP.