Shillong, Sep 23: NPP state working president and cabinet minister Marcuise N Marak has termed “fair representation” of ruling NPP’s coalition partners in the state cabinet while praising Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for maintaining the “balance”.
The Chief Minister has given due importance to all coalition partners in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, Marak told reporters on Tuesday.
Noting that despite National People’s Party (NPP) having 33 MLAs, the Chief Minister has kept his promise of ensuring representation for smaller parties in the government.
There are two ministers from United Democratic Party (UDP) and one each from Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 12-member cabinet.
“Keeping this in mind, I say, yes, it is a fair representation,” he said while adding “Everyone knows coalition government needs to keep balancing.”
According to him, this balance has helped foster a sense of teamwork and cooperation among the coalition partners.
Explaining the liberty to work under Conrad Sangma, he said the Chief Minister had directed all MLAs from the ruling parties to take ownership of their constituencies, effectively acting as chief ministers of their respective areas.
“There is no question of unhappiness or anything because he still can look after his constituency with full responsibility. We honour them whatever they request we agree to that,” he said.
To a query on district-wise representation in the cabinet, Marak said the Chief Minister took decision considering the number of MLAs from Ri-Bhoi district. “With four MLAs from the district, the Chief Minister has ensured that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed,” he said.
