Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday 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, signaling Sangma’s attempt to consolidate governance while walking the tightrope of coalition commitments.
Talking to media persons, Sangma underscored the compulsions and calculations that shaped his move.
Pressed on why eight ministers were replaced and not nine, and why NPP stalwart Marcuise N. Marak survived the axe, Sangma was categorical. “It’s not necessary that everybody has to be. Mr. Marcuise N Marak is a very senior member of the party. He’s been with the party for a very, very long time. And also, he was from the historical background, also, even before the party was formed, even during the time of NCP, he has been continuously in the party for a very, very long time. At the same time as I said he is also the working president of our party. So keeping all of those factors in mind, I’ve felt that Mr. Marcuise N Marak must continue and based on that, I’ve made my decision.”
On criticism over lack of minority and women representation in the new cabinet, Sangma argued it was a rotational balance. “They had their representation in the first half so obviously, at the same time there are very senior people in the party who have been with us for very long time in the party so based on this we decided second half we will give based on that. Mondal and Ampareen had their representation in the first half so it’s not that they are not given any space at all.”
The reshuffle has seen Rakkam A. Sangma and A.T. Mondal replaced by Brening Sangma and T.D. Shira, while Ampareen Lyngdoh made way for Sosthenes Sohtun. The UDP heavyweights Kyrmen Shylla and Paul Lyngdoh have been replaced by Metbah Lyngdoh and Lahkmen Rymbui.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.
