The sudden demise of Dr. Ricky A.J. Singkon, the firebrand Lok Sabha MP from Shillong, has cast a pall of gloom over Meghalaya. Collapsing on the football field Thursday night, the 42-year-old leader battled for life before being declared dead, prompting an outpouring of grief led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Modi shared his sorrow on X: ‘Deeply grieved by the passing of Shillong MP Dr. Ricky A.J. Singkon. His tireless service to Meghalaya’s people will be etched in memory. My heart goes out to his family and well-wishers. Om Shanti.’ This tribute from the PM highlighted Singkon’s rapid ascent in politics.
Affiliated with the VPP, Singkon scripted a stunning upset in the 2024 polls, trouncing incumbent Vincent H. Pala by a whopping 3.7 lakh votes. His victory dismantled long-standing Congress dominance, injecting fresh energy into Meghalaya’s polity.
Details of the tragedy unfolded dramatically: While enjoying football with friends, Singkon suddenly keeled over. Rushed to Mawiong CHC, the lack of on-duty doctors necessitated transfer to Dr. H. Gordon Roberts Hospital in Jaiaw. Admitted in critical condition, he breathed his last at 8:42 PM despite intensive intervention.
Meghalaya’s top brass, including CM Conrad Sangma, Deputy CM Preston Tinsong, and VPP head Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, converged at the hospital. Legislators and party workers joined in a collective lament for the man who embodied hope for change.
A doctor by training, Singkon pivoted to politics with a vision for clean governance and tribal welfare. His articulate presence in Parliament and vocal advocacy for Northeast issues had already made waves. This personal tragedy underscores the fragility of life in public service.
As Shillong mourns, Singkon’s family faces unimaginable pain. His legacy—a clarion call against corruption and for inclusive growth—endures. Meghalaya must now navigate the political vacuum, with a bypoll on the horizon that could test VPP’s resilience.