Meghalaya MLA Resigns From Congress, Says Party 'Has Lost Its Sense Of Direction'

In a letter addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Meghalaya MLA Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh wrote that the party "has lost touch with the people of Meghalaya".

New Delhi: Congress MLA in Meghalaya Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh from East Shillong Constituency, on Monday tendered her resignation from the party.

In a letter addressed to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, she wrote, "Recent developments within the party have led me to believe that it has lost its sense of direction. There has been a pressing need for the party and its leadership to reflect on this. Sincere and honest attempts to lead such self-introspection, I believe, have failed."

"The party has lost touch with the people of Meghalaya, and I no longer believe it is the best platform for me to serve them. It is with deep regret, therefore, that I am writing to tender my formal resignation from primary membership in the Indian National Congress, effective immediately," she added.

The resignation comes as Meghalaya is set to witness polls early next year.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of projects worth more than Rs 6,800 crore during his visit to poll-bound Tripura and Meghalaya.

Accompanied by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other dignitaries including Chief Ministers, governors, and MPs of all eight NE states, the Prime Minister attended a golden jubilee celebration of the North Eastern Council.

Both states heading for assembly polls are likely to witness elections in February. While the BJP is in power in Tripura, it is working to boost its strength in Meghalaya while being in power as an NDA alliance partner.

Meghalaya CM Conrad Kongkal Sangma Sangma's party, the NPP, came second behind the Indian National Congress winning 19 seats at the 2018 Meghalaya legislative assembly election.

(With Agency Inputs)