Shillong, March 20 : The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has reaffirmed its resolve to pursue the disqualification case against four former Congress MLAs who joined the National People’s Party (NPP), stating that the matter will be taken to its “logical end” to uphold the mandate of the people.
MPCC Secretary Manuel Badwar said the party is committed to continuing its legal battle in the High Court, challenging the decisions of Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma, who had dismissed disqualification petitions on technical grounds. “We will not take these things very easily,” Badwar told reporters, emphasizing that the case is not just about the four legislators but about setting a precedent for future politics.
The MLAs in question — Charles Marngar (Mawhati), Gabriel Wahlang (Nongstoin), Celestine Lyngdoh (Umsning), and Ronnie V. Lyngdoh (Mylliem) — had joined the NPP, claiming a merger of the legislature party. While Ronnie V. Lyngdoh joined the NPP in July 2025, the other three MLAs switched in August 2024. The Speaker subsequently recognized their merger. Badwar alleged that the Speaker rejected the petitions on “flimsy” and technical grounds, including the claim that only an MLA could file such petitions.
However, he argued that Supreme Court rulings allow any concerned party member to initiate disqualification proceedings. “The Speaker has not touched the merit of the case,” said Congress counsel Kynpham V. Kharlyngdoh, adding that the petitions were dismissed without granting a hearing, which he termed a violation of natural justice.
The Congress legal team contends that the manner in which the MLAs joined the NPP attracts disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. They further argued that the process followed does not qualify as a valid merger under the law. “The procedure of merger is different. Based on the way they merged themselves, it attracts disqualification,” Kharlyngdoh stated.
The case is currently in its fifth hearing before the High Court. Notices have been served to the four MLAs, and the Speaker is expected to file an affidavit in response. The court had earlier granted liberty for personal service of notices and scheduled further hearings. Badwar expressed confidence in the party’s case, stating, “We stand on very strong grounds and it is progressing very well.”
The MPCC said its objective is to send a clear message that elected representatives cannot switch parties at will for personal benefit. “At the end of the day, it is the mandate of the people that you got elected on, and we will pursue this case to its logical end,” Badwar said.
The party also indicated that it is prepared to take the matter to the Supreme Court if necessary, with its legal team in Delhi ready for further appeal.
