Shillong: The Meghalaya BJP is taking its fight to the party’s central leadership. Tensions are rising within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance. The state unit is furious after a cabinet reshuffle stripped minister Sanbor Shullai of his Arts and Culture portfolio without warning. Party spokesperson M Kharkrang said the move ignored the state unit. They wanted a seat at the table.
The BJP now holds 10 seats in the 60-member Assembly. This follows the merger of eight former UDP legislators into their ranks. They expected more power. The party wants an additional ministerial berth to reflect its new size. Instead, the NPP-led government made changes without asking. State leaders will hold a meeting in Shillong to firm up their position before traveling to New Delhi.
NPP state president Prestone Tynsong denied any secret deals. He claimed no preconditions existed when the new legislators joined the coalition. Tynsong said no assurances were made regarding extra cabinet spots. The NPP currently holds nine ministerial positions. The BJP has two. The HSPDP holds one.
Under the new reshuffle, Paul Lyngdoh took over Tourism, Social Welfare, and Arts and Culture. Timothy D. Shira grabbed Agriculture, Farmers’ Welfare, Power, and Water Resources. Shullai kept Animal Husbandry, Veterinary, Fisheries, Taxation, Legal Metrology, and Printing and Stationery. He considers the loss of Arts and Culture an unhealthy development for the coalition.
Kharkrang dismissed rumors of the party pulling out of the government. He urged patience while internal talks continue. “It is too early for me to say that. I have not said that we will pull out of the government, because we have not decided anything on that,” Kharkrang stated.
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