Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, the Leader of the Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader, addressed criticisms regarding his ability to manage disgruntled Congress legislators.
Talking to Meghalaya News 24, Lyngdoh emphasized the democratic principles that underpin the Congress party, stating that his role as CLP leader does not involve coercion or forcing members to stay. He remarked, “I am a CLP leader and it doesn’t mean I will hold a whip, or a chain to tie down people. This is the beauty of the Congress party—we don’t impose anything on anyone. We are a democratic party, giving freedom to the people; anybody can join us, and anybody can leave us.”
Lyngdoh underscored that when elected MLAs choose to leave the Congress, they are not just betraying the party, but also the mandate given to them by the people who elected them. He expressed nostalgia for the leadership of past statesmen like Captain WA Sangma, BB Lyngdoh, SC Marak, and PA Sangma, who were known for their inclusive approach to development, regardless of party affiliation.
Lyngdoh lamented that today’s politics has shifted towards vindictiveness and discrimination, where opposition MLAs are often denied development opportunities, ultimately punishing the constituents they represent.
“We miss statesmen like late captain WA Sangma, we miss late BB Lyngdoh, we miss SC Marak, and we miss even PA Sangma who did not discriminate developmental activities on the basis of party’s affiliation. We missed those statesmen and now come down to politics of vindictiveness, politics of discrimination, you are not denying an opposition MLA of development activities but you are denying people of their constituency due right for development,” The Leader of Opposition said.
He also noted that his position as Leader of the Opposition is one he holds with respect to the democratic processes and the discretion of the Assembly Speaker, indicating his commitment to the principles of democracy and fairness within the legislative framework.