Ronnie V Lyngdoh, the only Congress MLA in Meghalaya, joined the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) on Wednesday, effectively ending the Congress party’s presence in the state assembly.

Lyngdoh, who represents the Mylliem constituency and served as the opposition chief whip, submitted a letter of merger to Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma. The development took place in the presence of senior NPP leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar.