Shillong: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong slammed social media rumors claiming he planned to defect to the BJP. Reports alleged Tynsong would take 22 National People’s Party MLAs with him to form a new government under Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s approval. Tynsong flatly rejected these claims during an election rally at Wahlyngkhat in Pynursla. He was speaking for NPP candidate D.R.L. Nonglait in the Shillong Lok Sabha by-election.
"Two or three days ago, social media reported that Prestone would join the BJP and take 22 MLAs with him. They even said I would become Chief Minister and that Amit Shah had approved it," Tynsong said. He urged voters to ignore unverified claims during the election season.
Speculation grew after eight UDP legislators joined the BJP last week. This moved the BJP from two seats to 10 in the Assembly. Tynsong traveled to Delhi on September 22. Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar joined him on September 24 for official business. Tynsong insisted their meetings in the capital were not for political maneuvering.
Dhar also spoke out against the rumors of a mass defection. He confirmed that all 33 NPP MLAs remain united. The party has grown significantly since 2018 when it held 19 seats. Dhar stated the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance remains solid despite the recent UDP shift. He noted that the top three leaders are working with one mind.
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