SHILLONG — NPP leader and East Shillong MLA Dr Ampareen Lyngdoh has pushed back against speculation over the stability of the Meghalaya government, saying the administration remains firmly in control despite the defection of eight UDP MLAs to the BJP.
“There is too much fiction in this entire script,” Lyngdoh said on Friday, rejecting the impression that the political developments had left the state government uncertain or unable to function.
The eight MLAs were among the 12 members of the UDP in the Assembly. Their move has reduced the regional party to four MLAs and made the BJP the second-largest party in the House, behind the NPP.Lyngdoh said the change in party positions did not mean that governance had stopped.
“We are in charge and we are executing our executive roles as in-charge of government,” she said, referring to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar. She also distanced herself from speculation surrounding the eight former UDP legislators, saying their decision was their own political responsibility.
“It’s their business,” Lyngdoh said when asked whether the MLAs could face political consequences after joining the BJP.
Asked whether development issues had influenced their decision, Lyngdoh declined to interpret their motives.
“I don’t know what’s running their minds,” she said, adding that she was not part of the UDP and had not spoken to the legislators about their decision. Her sharper remarks were directed at speculation surrounding possible political movement to Delhi and reports suggesting further shifts could be underway.
“I never went anywhere. So stop making it look like you saw me on the flight and that you accompanied me to Delhi,” she said, describing the situation as becoming “a bit too theatrical”.
Lyngdoh maintained that political activity should not be confused with a breakdown in administration.
“Please allow government to execute its role as government in governance,” she said.
She also reiterated her confidence in the NPP leadership and said the government would continue functioning through its current mandate, which runs until 2028.
