Shillong Member of Parliament Ricky Andrew J Syngkon passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 54 after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing futsal in Shillong. His sudden demise has sent shockwaves through Meghalaya’s political circles, as he was serving his first term in the 18th Lok Sabha and had emerged as a prominent regional leader within a short span of time.
Syngkon was one of Meghalaya’s two Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha, representing the Shillong constituency. He was elected in the 2024 general election as a candidate of the Voice of the People Party, a relatively new regional political formation that made a strong impact in the state during that electoral cycle.
Academic roots before public life
Born on January 6, 1972, Ricky Andrew J Syngkon began his professional journey in academia. He completed his Master of Arts in Economics and Master of Commerce before earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics in 2007 from North Eastern Hill University. He later served as an assistant professor in the Department of Commerce at the same university.
Those familiar with his academic career describe him as disciplined and methodical, with a strong grounding in economic policy and development issues. His background in higher education provided him with a structured understanding of governance and public administration, which later informed his approach to politics.
Political debut and 2024 breakthrough
Syngkon entered active politics through the Voice of the People Party and contested the 2024 Lok Sabha election from the Shillong constituency. His candidacy was initially viewed as a bold move, given that he was a political newcomer challenging established leaders.
In a result that drew attention across the state, he secured 5,71,078 votes out of 10,33,251 votes polled in the constituency. He defeated a three time sitting Member of Parliament and other experienced contenders by a margin of more than 2,70,000 votes. The scale of his victory was widely seen as a sign of changing voter preferences in Meghalaya and growing support for regional political platforms.
His win positioned him as one of the notable first time MPs from the Northeast in the 18th Lok Sabha.
Role in Parliament and party leadership
In Parliament, Syngkon represented Shillong and was one of only two MPs from Meghalaya. Within the Voice of the People Party, he served as General Secretary and played a key role in consolidating the party’s organisational structure following its electoral gains.
As a first term parliamentarian, he focused on constituency outreach and regional issues concerning the Northeast. Political observers noted that his presence in Parliament reflected a broader shift in the Meghalaya political landscape, where regional parties were asserting greater space in national discourse.
Though his tenure was relatively short, he had begun establishing himself as a consistent voice from the state at the national level.
Sudden demise and tributes
On the evening of February 19, Syngkon reportedly collapsed while playing futsal on the outskirts of Shillong. He was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead later that evening due to cardiac arrest. He was 54.
Condolences were expressed by leaders across party lines. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma conveyed his grief and described him as committed to public service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended condolences and acknowledged his service to the people of Meghalaya. There were discussions about postponing Assembly proceedings, including the state budget presentation, as a mark of respect.
Personal life and legacy
Syngkon is survived by his brother and two sisters. His wife Audrey had passed away in 2019.
His journey from university lecturer to Member of Parliament remains a defining aspect of his public life. While his time in national politics was brief, his 2024 electoral victory marked an important moment in Meghalaya political history and reflected the growing influence of regional leadership in the state.
His passing brings to an end a political career that had only just begun to take shape.
