SHILLONG, Dec 2: Meghalaya Chief Minister and National People’s Party (NPP) national president Conrad K. Sangma has dismissed ongoing speculation that United Democratic Party (UDP) leader Paul Lyngdoh may join the NPP, saying it is premature to draw any conclusions at this stage.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sangma said discussions between political leaders are common, but it is too early to link such conversations to concrete decisions.

“We are good friends, we have always discussed politics together… but to jump to a conclusion that he will be joining is premature. It is not the appropriate time to discuss these things,” he said.

Rumours surrounding Lyngdoh’s possible shift intensified following the September 2025 cabinet reshuffle, during which Lyngdoh was removed as Tourism Minister. The reshuffle saw eight ministers dropped and an equal number of new faces inducted into the cabinet.

Sangma noted that political speculation is routine, emphasising that decisions will unfold at the right time.

“There is a lot of politics that happens. Last time somebody said NPP MLAs were planning to leave, and I asked for names so I could speak to them. These talks are always there, but let us see how things unfold and when the final time comes, we will let you know,” he added.

Neither Paul Lyngdoh nor the UDP leadership has commented publicly on the matter so far.