From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, Sep 12: In the wake of the recent exit of Congress leaders from Ri-Bhoi — Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar and Umsning MLA Dr Celestine Lyngdoh — to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), the Ri-Bhoi District Congress Committee (RBDCC) convened a crucial meeting on Wednesday at Saiden to elect new leadership.
With the departure of these two key figures, the Congress party no longer holds any representation in the state assembly from Ri-Bhoi, where it previously held two seats.
During the meeting, MG Kharshanlor was chosen as the new president of the RBDCC, with GS Shadap taking the role of working president. Standlywiss Rymbai was appointed as senior adviser, while Adrian Chyne Mylliemngap was named adviser. The vice presidents selected were Rocky Marwein, Phrang Syngkli, Rev PW Pnar, and Shalwist Mallai. Defender S Lamare assumed the role of general secretary, along with other elected officials.
Addressing the media, new RBDCC president Kharshanlor expressed confidence in the party’s resilience, stating that despite the recent defections, the Congress in Ri-Bhoi remains focused on its mission to serve the people. He stressed that the new leadership is committed to reinforcing the party’s role in the district.
Working president GS Shadap and senior adviser Standlywiss Rymbai also urged party members and supporters to stay united and optimistic, highlighting that the Congress still enjoys strong support from the people of Ri-Bhoi.
They reassured the community that the party’s focus remains on their welfare and development.
The leaders also reflected on the past support from voters, who had previously entrusted the Congress with two MLAs from the district. They expressed hope that these recent political shifts would galvanise party supporters to stand by the Congress in future elections. The newly elected leadership pledged to continue their efforts to uplift the people of Ri-Bhoi and ensure their voices are represented, both locally and at the state level.