Major reshuffle after completion of 2.5 years of MDA-II Govt
Shillong, Sep 16: In a major reshuffle effected on Monday, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has inducted eight new ministers in the state cabinet of National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-II) government.
MDA-II government recently completed two-and-a-half years, half way of its five-year term, and strong speculation about an upcoming cabinet reshuffle was doing the rounds.
The chief minister called on governor CH Vijayashankar at Raj Bhavan and submitted the list of the eight newly-inducted ministers, sources said.
New faces in the cabinet include four NPP legislators – Wailadmiki Shylla (Jowai), Sosthenes Sohtun (Jirang), Brening A Sangma (Dalu) and Timothy D Shira (Resubelpara).
The two United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators to be inducted in the new cabinet are – Metbah Lyngdoh (Mairang) and Lahkmen Rymbui (Amlarem).
Other coalition partners Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) too had one legislator each – Methodius DKhar (Mawshynrut) and Sanbor Shullai (South Shillong) respectively – in the cabinet.
Meanwhile, the eight ministers who faced the axe to make way for the new incumbents include NPP legislators – education minister Rakkam A Sangma, food and civil supplies minister Comingone Ymbon, health minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and PHE minister Marcuise N Marak, and power minister Abu Taher Mondal.
Those who lost cabinet berth from the UDP are social welfare minister Paul Lyngdoh and revenue & disaster minister Kyrmen Shylla.
HSPDP’s sports minister Shakliar Warjri and BJP’s animal husbandry and veterinary minister AL Hek were too shown the door.
The oath of office and secrecy to all newly inducted cabinet ministers will be administered by the Governor at the Raj Bhavan at 5 pm on Tuesday.
In the 60-member legislature, the NPP has 33 members and has the support of the UDP, HSPDP, BJP.
