Abhishek Banerjee, national general secretary of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and Lok Sabha MP, expressed his condolences following the untimely death of Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, the MP from Shillong and a founding member of the Voice of the People Party (VPP). Syngkon, 54, collapsed on a football field shortly after a phone call about a game. Banerjee highlighted Syngkon’s dedication to public service and his commitment to the welfare of his constituents, noting his accessible and grounded approach. His death is considered a significant loss for Meghalaya and the broader democratic community. Syngkon, elected in 2024 by a significant margin against veteran Congress politician Vincent H. Pala, was actively involved in advocating for the region’s people, particularly in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. Before his political career, he taught economics at NEHU and had just returned from a parliamentary budget session, with plans to attend a meeting concerning the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilisers. Banerjee extended heartfelt condolences to Syngkon’s family, colleagues, and supporters during this time of grief.