Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday ruled out any prior understanding on cabinet expansion with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) when eight United Democratic Party (UDP) legislators merged with the saffron party, as the BJP’s increased strength from two to 10 MLAs in the Meghalaya Assembly brings fresh pressure on power-sharing arrangements within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA-II) government. The BJP, which already has two cabinet ministers in the Conrad-led government, is reportedly seeking an additional ministerial berth following the induction of the eight former UDP legislators. The demand has brought the question of cabinet representation back into focus, with the BJP leadership indicating that it would take up the matter with the Chief Minister. Sangma, however, maintained that cabinet accommodation was never discussed during the merger negotiations, while acknowledging that subsequent requests had been made for adjustments in view of the party’s expanded legislative strength.
Sangma said the decision by the eight UDP MLAs to join the BJP was taken independently at the legislators’ level, without his involvement or any communication regarding cabinet induction. “These matters were not discuss with me, it was a pure decision at the MLAs level from the UDP to join BJP,” he said. Maintaining that no ministerial arrangement had been discussed, he added, “That discussion never happened.” He said it would therefore be unfair to suggest that cabinet accommodation was a condition attached to the merger. However, the Chief Minister acknowledged receiving calls from the BJP seeking adjustments after its strength increased from two to 10 MLAs, with the party requesting the government to explore possible accommodation in whatever capacity available.
Pointing to the limitations of the Council of Ministers, Sangma said accommodating the BJP’s expectations would not be straightforward. “When it comes to the cabinet, We have limited numbers and obviously everything Set,” he said. He added, “So, it’s not so simple for us, but wherever and whatever possible from our side, we will always be there to work with our coalition partners.” Meanwhile, state BJP president Rikman G Momin indicated that discussions with the Chief Minister would continue over the party’s cabinet representation. Asked whether he was disappointed that the BJP had not been given an additional cabinet berth, Momin said, “The process will go on and we will ask the Chief Minister , we will be in touch with the chief minister. We will discuss with CM.”
Momin said the BJP had not yet held a meeting with its legislators and that the party would formulate its position after consulting them. With reports suggesting that the eight newly inducted legislators are expecting one more cabinet berth, he indicated that the matter would be discussed with them before the party takes it forward with the Chief Minister. Asked whether the BJP was expecting another cabinet berth in the MDA-II government, Momin said the decision would depend on the prevailing political situation. “That depends on the political situation,” he said, leaving the possibility of further negotiations over the BJP’s cabinet representation open.
