Raphael Warjri

Speaking to the media after submitting their letters to the Assembly Speaker, Paul Lyngdoh said the move was driven by his assessment that the NPP could deliver better outcomes for the state. He maintained that his decision was not prompted by personal differences with anyone.

On choosing the NPP over the BJP,  Paul said the NPP’s roots in Meghalaya would make it easier to work within the state.

Reacting to UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh being left as the party’s sole MLA, Paul said the matter rested with the Chief Minister. He added that the political shift extended beyond individual MLAs, claiming that the UDP had effectively lost the support of all its 11 legislators.

Meanwhile, Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar said his decision reflected the wishes of his constituents and supporters in Mawkyrwat. He cited the MDA government’s performance as a key factor, adding that many of his supporters had already joined the NPP and that he was following their lead.

On Monday, Paul Lyngdoh and Renikton Lyngdoh formally informed the Speaker of their intention to join the NPP. Mowkaiaw MLA Nujorki Sungoh also submitted his intimation in writing, reportedly as he was away for medical treatment.