In a calibrated political move aimed at balancing equations within the ruling dispensation, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has begun accommodating several seasoned legislators and former ministers through strategic government appointments. With many capable leaders left out of the cabinet after the reshuffle, the Chief Minister appears to be consolidating internal support by assigning them influential advisory and chairmanship roles across departments and state-run corporations.
A government notification announced the appointment of former Cabinet Minister Paul Lyngdoh as Adviser to the Social Welfare Department, with perks and facilities under Category “A”, as per the Finance (AF) Office Memorandum dated August 17, 2023. Former Minister Kyrmen Shylla has been appointed as Adviser to the Mining and Geology Department, also with Category “A” benefits, according to a notification issued on Monday.
In a subsequent move, the government issued a notification appointing former Cabinet Minister Shakliar Warjri as Chairman of the Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC). Meanwhile, the appointment of Mendipathar NPP MLA Marthon J. Sangma as Chairman of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has also been confirmed.
Adding to the list, former Cabinet Minister A.L. Hek has been appointed Chairman of the State Government Programme Implementation and Monitoring Committee (SGPI&MC). According to the notification, Hek’s appointment falls under Category “A+” and will remain effective from the date of assumption of charge until further orders.
Last month, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma executed the first cabinet reshuffle of the MDA 2.0 government, dropping as many as eight ministers in what is being read as a decisive political manoeuvre to recalibrate coalition equations, regional representation, and intra-party balance. The rejig, which marks a mid-term reset, has seen both veterans and fresh entrants sharing space in the new-look cabinet.
The reshuffle saw Rakkam A. Sangma and A.T. Mondal replaced by Brening Sangma and T.D. Shira, while Ampareen Lyngdoh made way for Sosthenes Sohtun. Comingone Ymbon was replaced by Wailakmiki Shylla. The UDP heavyweights Kyrmen Shylla and Paul Lyngdoh were replaced by Metbah Lyngdoh and Lahkmen Rymbui. The BJP’s A.L. Hek ceded space to Sanbor Shullai, while the HSPDP’s Shakliar Warjri was replaced by Methodius Dkhar.
