Cabinet Reshuffle In Meghalaya, 8 MLAs Sworn In As Ministers

Eight MLAs, including seven new faces, were inducted into the Meghalaya cabinet on Tuesday as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma effected a reshuffle in his coalition government.

The Chief Minister said the reshuffle, which took place after eight ministers were dropped from the cabinet, was aimed at ensuring balanced regional representation across districts.

The portfolios of the newly inducted ministers will be notified in due course, he said.

NPP's Timothy D Shira, Shanbor Shullai of the BJP, UDP's Metbah Lyngdoh took oath at a function at Raj Bhavan here.

Wailadmiki Shylla, Sostheness Sohtun, Brening A Sangma of the National People's Party (NPP), Hill State People's Democratic Party's (HSPDP) Methodius Dkhar and former home minister Lahkmen Rymbui of the United Democratic Party (UDP) were also inducted into the council of ministers.

The governor administered the oath of office and secrecy to them.

Lyngdoh had served as the Speaker in the previous assembly, while Shira stepped down as Deputy Speaker earlier this month. Rymbui, not new to the cabinet, was the home minister in the previous MDA government headed by Conrad K Sangma.

Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in ceremony, the chief minister said the decision to reshuffle the cabinet was taken after "consultations with coalition partners and senior leaders, with emphasis on ensuring balanced regional representation across districts".

The CM also said, "Special attention was given to representation from different regions, including Ri-Bhoi and West Garo Hills, to reflect the aspirations of the people." He observed that cabinet reshuffles are never simple, but such steps are "necessary to maintain balance and inclusivity".

The chief minister expressed confidence that the newly sworn-in ministers would contribute positively, while senior members of the cabinet would provide guidance in their responsibilities.

He also underlined that the mid-term reshuffle provides an opportunity to "reset and strengthen governance as the council of ministers prepares for the next phase of administrative priorities".

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior leaders, government officials, and family members of the newly inducted ministers.

Ahead of the reshuffle in the Meghalaya cabinet, eight of the total 12 ministers had resigned from their posts.

CM Sangma, who heads the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government, had met Governor C H Vijayashankar at Raj Bhavan here and submitted the resignations of the ministers.

"Eight ministers, who have resigned from their posts, are Ampareen Lyngdoh, Comingone Ymbon, Rakkam A Sangma and Abu Taher Mondal of the NPP, Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla of the UDP, Shakliar Warjri of the HSPDP and AL Hek of the BJP," an official said.

According to the rule, Meghalaya, with a 60-member assembly, cannot have more than 12 ministers, including the CM.

Of the 12-member cabinet, the NPP had 8, UDP 2 and BJP and HSPDP one each. This composition remains unchanged after the cabinet reshuffle.

Ampareen Lyngdoh was in charge of the agriculture and law, while Ymbon and Rakkam A Sangma looked after cooperation and education, respectively.

Mondal was the power minister, Paul Lyngdoh was in charge of tourism, and Kyrmen Shylla had the portfolio of revenue and disaster management.

Shakliar Warjri was in charge of the sports and AL Hek of animal husbandry. 

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