The Conrad K. Sangma-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) 2.0 government is set for a major Cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday, with the swearing-in of new ministers scheduled at Raj Bhavan at 5 p.m. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma reportedly met Governor C.H. Vijayashankar on Monday evening to submit the final list of legislators who will be inducted. The reshuffle is expected to impact at least eight sitting ministers across coalition partners. Within the National People’s Party (NPP), four ministers are slated to be dropped: Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal, Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma, and Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon.
Their likely replacements include Jirang MLA Sostheness Sohtun, Resubelpara MLA Timothy Shira, Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Passah, and Dalu MLA Brening A. Sangma. The United Democratic Party (UDP) will also see a shift, with Cabinet Ministers Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla stepping aside. They are set to be replaced by UDP president and Mairang MLA Metbah Lyngdoh, along with Amlarem MLA Lahkmen Rymbui. The decision was finalised during a crucial UDP meeting held on Monday morning.
The reshuffle extends to the BJP and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) as well. BJP senior leader A.L. Hek will make way for South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai, while Mawshynrut MLA Methodius Dkhar is expected to replace HSPDP’s Shakliar Warjri. Both parties have two MLAs each in the current Assembly. Interestingly, BJP state president Rikman G. Momin noted on Monday evening that he had yet to receive any official intimation from the Chief Minister regarding the reshuffle.