SHILLONG, Aug 5: With the joining of lone Congress MLA, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) now has an absolute majority of 33 in the House of 60.
However, the ruling party is unlikely to disband the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance it stitched in 2018.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma triumphantly acknowledged this as the best number any political party had managed to secure in Meghalaya’s history. He, however, stressed that the increase in numbers should only serve as motivation to work harder and that humility should remain central to political work, regardless of changing circumstances.
Sangma dismissed any notion that the NPP is actively seeking to swell its numbers at the cost of political balance within the coalition.
He made it clear that while the party continues to grow with more legislators expressing interest in joining its ranks, the core commitment remains firmly tied to its coalition allies in the MDA 2.0 Government.
Sangma credited the alliance partners for sticking together through thick and thin, acknowledging that they have been working together for nearly eight years almost.
In a clear message to the NPP allies, he reiterated that trust and integrity must remain the glue that binds the coalition, and that development goals and the state’s future can only be achieved if all partners remain true to their words and commitments.
To any quarters questioning whether the NPP’s growing numerical strength might trigger instability or unilateral decision-making, the Chief Minister had a pointed response. “We are committed to our coalition partners because it is not about short-term gains, but long-term stability, long-term commitment, development work, and overall long-term plans for the state,” he said.
“Yes, we will have challenges and differences, but it is important for us to stick and work together and fulfil our commitments,” the Chief Minister said, offering a sobering but firm reminder of the responsibilities that lie ahead.
