Shillong: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma denied that the National People’s Party intentionally fractured its coalition partners within the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. The statement followed the Monday oath-taking ceremony of Paul Lyngdoh, who joined the Cabinet as a new minister. Sangma argued the party holds no agenda to wipe out allies.
Several UDP MLAs recently jumped to the NPP. Sangma claims this was an individual choice to support the government. He maintains that former minister Metbah Lyngdoh resigned voluntarily. He faced no outside pressure to step down. "It’s purely a decision made from their end to strengthen the NPP and the government. It is not that we have deliberately broken into coalition partners," Sangma said.
The Cabinet currently sits at its 12-member limit. Sangma admitted he would add more members if the law allowed. He views stability as the bedrock of effective governance. Paul Lyngdoh will receive his specific portfolios within 24 hours. The government expects no further mergers or cabinet changes before their term ends.
Shifting tides continue in state politics. Three Trinamool Congress MDCs plan to switch to the NPP on November 4. No TMC MLAs have reached out to change sides yet. The Chief Minister remains focused on keeping the current lineup intact through the end of the term.
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