By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 27: The Congress party in Meghalaya has suffered a major blow after a large section of its top leadership from West Khasi Hills officially joined the National People’s Party (NPP) on Monday.
This development comes amid rumoured sentiment among party ranks for change in leadership of the grand-old party in Meghalaya.
The formal joining ceremony, held at the PWD Inspection Bungalow (IB) premises in Nongstoin, was attended by NPP national vice president and Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong, who welcomed the new members into the party.
Prominent Congress figures who shifted allegiance include District Congress Committee (DCC) president Bormanding Nonglang, general secretary Fourteenson Lyngkhoi, treasurer Lamphrang Nongrum, secretary Macdonald Lyngdoh, Youth Wing treasurer Thymmaibor Shangrit, and Nongstoin Block Congress Committee secretary Morningstar Marthong, along with other executive members and party workers.
Addressing the gathering, Tynsong said the NPP-led government focuses on “action rather than words,” emphasising the administration’s commitment to real development.
Highlighting key projects in Nongstoin, he announced that an additional ₹300 crore has been sanctioned for the extension of the Nongstoin–Maweit Road up to Nongjri, describing it as a crucial route for trade and connectivity. “It is meaningless to claim that we love our people if we do nothing for them,” Tynsong remarked, criticising political rhetoric that lacks substance.
He also urged citizens not to be misled by misinformation circulating on social media. The event was attended by several senior NPP leaders,
including party spokesperson Himalaya Shangpliang, Nongstoin MLA Gabriel Wahlang, NPP state secretary Donkupar War, Rambrai-Jyrngam MDC Lurshai Kharbani, former MDCs, and other dignitaries.
Earlier reports have stated that there is growing internal discontent with Vincent Pala’s leadership as Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee president.
Several senior leaders, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that a leadership overhaul may be necessary if the Congress hopes to revive its fortunes in Meghalaya.
Earlier, several party leaders had anonymously stated that the demand for change is widely shared among party workers and supporters. They had even claimed that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has already shortlisted four potential candidates — two from Khasi-Jaintia Hills and two from Garo Hills — to replace Pala.
Pala, however, has dismissed media reports suggesting an imminent leadership change. He asserted that he would not be swayed by “external forces” or political opponents attempting to destabilise the Congress.
