Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday, 2 November 2026, defended the National People's Party (NPP)'s expanding political footprint in the state, asserting that legislators switching allegiance to the ruling party were doing so out of personal choice rooted in long-standing working relationships — not because of any orchestrated effort to weaken coalition partners.

Sangma made the remarks in Shillong while speaking to reporters following the swearing-in of Paul Lyngdoh as a Cabinet minister in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government.

Sangma's Defence of the NPP's Growing Strength

The Chief Minister maintained that the NPP had never indulged in poaching legislators. He argued that MLAs who had worked closely with the NPP over the years had developed political understanding and relationships that naturally drew them toward the party. 'It was entirely their own decision,' he told reporters.

Sangma also pushed back against allegations that the NPP had deliberately hollowed out its coalition allies, saying the party had consistently worked with all its partners within the MDA framework. He described the political developments as measures aimed at strengthening the NPP and ensuring governmental stability.

UDP Leader's Cabinet Exit and New Inductions

On the resignation of United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Metbah Lyngdoh from the Cabinet, Sangma clarified that there had been no pressure on him to step down — the exit was a personal decision. The remarks come amid speculation that the UDP's reduced role signals a consolidation of NPP dominance within the MDA.

The Chief Minister also confirmed that three Trinamool Congress (TMC) members of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) would formally join the NPP on 4 November. However, he ruled out any immediate crossover of TMC MLAs, adding that the government did not anticipate further political realignments in the near term and hoped to complete its tenure with the present Cabinet composition intact.

Paul Lyngdoh's Priorities as New Tourism Minister

Newly sworn-in minister Paul Lyngdoh is expected to take charge of the Tourism Department, a portfolio he had previously held. Lyngdoh said his immediate focus would be reviving the state's tourism sector and addressing concerns around the proposed Shillong ropeway project.

Sangma defended the ropeway initiative, saying the government was open to engaging with stakeholders but saw no grounds to stall it. He argued the project could generate direct employment for hundreds of local youths and provide indirect livelihood support to thousands more.

Gospel Concerts and the FCRA Amendment Consultation

In a separate announcement, Sangma said the state government would organise two gospel concerts — one in collaboration with the Presbyterian Church in Khasi-Jaintia Hills and another with the Baptist Church in Garo Hills — to promote faith and local cultural identity.

The Chief Minister also welcomed the Joint Parliamentary Committee's consultation with nearly 40 organisations in Shillong on the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, describing it as a healthy exercise in democratic deliberation.

With fresh NPP inductions expected on 4 November and the Tourism Ministry now under Lyngdoh's watch, the focus shifts to whether the MDA's reconfigured arithmetic can hold together through the remainder of its term.