Should Meghalaya’s opposition parties—Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Voice of the People Party (VPP)—be wary of the ruling National People’s Party? If Deputy Chief Minister and NPP state president Prestone Tynsong’s latest assertion is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes. In a stunningly candid and politically assertive remark, Tynsong hinted that the NPP is not just content with leading the government—it’s setting the stage for an opposition-less Assembly in the state.
“I think if we can do that, nothing like it. We will create history—nothing like it,” declared Tynsong, when asked whether the party aims to ensure zero opposition in the 60-member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Dismissing allegations that the party is poaching MLAs using monetary inducements, Tynsong claimed the ongoing political migration to NPP is people-driven and development-centric. “It’s not because of money; it’s purely based on development. The MLAs are under pressure from their constituents, and they have seen our commitment. That’s why they are coming,” he said.
Commenting on the decimation of the Congress, Tynsong delivered a sharp political critique: “I would like to advise the Congress party, please revisit and do a major repairing work.”
Asked if the next target for the NPP would be the TMC or VPP, Tynsong maintained a carefully worded yet expansive stance. “We welcome everybody. The space is there. We have 60 MLAs in the state and I would like to see all 60 MLAs are the members of NPP.”
Four Congress MLAs, including Ronnie V. Lyngdoh, have already merged with the NPP, prompting accusations of political engineering. But Tynsong deflected, crediting the “people’s mandate.” “It is not Ronnie V. Lyngdoh who chose to join NPP—it is his people. If their people did not want their MLA to join NPP, why should they? This proves very clearly now that the people of the state have opted for NPP.”
Reinforcing the party’s open-door policy, Tynsong reiterated: “We have a big room, and the door is still open. If all 60 MLAs join us, the more the merrier. As president of NPP, we welcome everyone. Please join the NPP. When you join, you should realise one thing—you need development. We are here to provide development to every part of the state.”
In a politically nuanced tone, he added, “We are not here to break anybody. Why should we break? It is not a question of breaking. We are not here to break VPP, or HSPDP, or any other political party like UDP. We are here because we have sleepless nights—we hardly sleep—because we want to provide development to each and every constituency in the state of Meghalaya.”
As the NPP strengthens its numerical and political grip, the question for the opposition is no longer about how to compete—but how to survive. Tynsong’s roadmap is clear. The doors are open. The message is sharper than ever. And the countdown to a one-party Assembly is no longer political fiction—it’s a looming possibility.
