SHILLONG, AUG 22: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and national general secretary of the NPP, Sniawbhalang Dhar on Wednesday put to rest speculations of a change in the coalition, maintaining that his party will continue to work with all the coalition partners in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government till the end of the five-year term.
His statement comes in the wake of reports the NPP may consider dropping ministers from the coalition parties following the merger of three Congress MLAs into its fold and attaining the majority mark of 31.
Eyes were on the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) who share power with the NPP in the state cabinet.
Addressing the media, Dhar said, “We don’t have any intention to drop any minister or sever ties with any coalition partner just because we got absolute majority now. We have been working together since 2018 and we want to continue working together till the end of this five year term and of course we will continue to work together even beyond 2028.”
Expressing trust in the MDA coalition partners, he said, “there is absolutely no move for cabinet reshuffle (despite the political development).”
“But yes if the respective coalition partners want to change (the minister from their respective parties), it is totally up to them, it is their wish,” Dhar added.
Further, Dhar claimed that all NPP MLAs have expressed their happiness over the merger and the question of infighting within the party does not arise at all.
“The question of (internal) grumblings does not arise. We are the most happiest and disciplined party. Please remember that and you have witnessed it for the last 7 years,” he said.
On whether there is any move to change the leadership keeping in mind the demand for a Khasi chief minister, the NPP leader said, “Who demands? Simple it will be based on the MLAs, who will elect the leader. So obviously, there has been no such demand at all. That is why you have witnessed for the last 7 years, there are no grumblings within the NPP family.”
Asked if he is ready to be the next Khasi CM, Dhar however said that people should pray that Meghalaya get a good chief minister.
“Let us not discuss that. That is not the question. About the CM and leadership please pray you get a good leadership for the state of Meghalaya. That is the important part,” said Dhar.
