Shillong (Meghalaya) [India], December 30 (NT): In a major drive to the grand old ruling party Congress government in Meghalaya led by Mukul Sangma five of its MLAs together with former deputy chief minister Rowell Lyngdoh, resigned from the state Assembly to shake hands with the National People's Party (NPP), a supporter of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Three more members of the legislative body have also reconciled from the Assembly to stick together the NPP, which take account of Remington Pyngrope from United Democratic Party and Independents Stephanson Mukhim and Hopeful Bamon.

The Congress MLAs, who gave up their assembly seats, are Sniawbhalang Dhar, Comingone Ymbon, Prestone Tynsong, Rowell Lyngdoh and Ngaitlang Dhar of Congress, Remington Pyngrope from UDP and Independents Stephanson Mukhim and Hopeful Bamon.

The enlargement comes just ahead of assembly polls, planned to be held next year in February 2018.

The Congress now has been left with 24 MLAs in the 60-member Meghalaya Assembly legislative body.

On the other hand, Sangma, with shore up of independent and associates, will go on to remain the Chief Minister of the state. (NT)