SHILLONG — The Cabinet question that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma tried to keep off the table has now been nudged back into Meghalaya politics, this time by senior BJP leader A.L. Hek.
With the BJP’s strength jumping from two MLAs to 10 after eight UDP legislators joined the party, Hek said the change in numbers could be discussed with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his October 4-5 visit to Meghalaya.
Cabinet reshuffle is the prerogative of the Chief Minister. I have nothing to say,” the Pynthorumkhrah MLA said when asked whether the BJP’s expanded strength could lead to changes in the Council of Ministers.
But when asked if the matter could be discussed with Amit Shah during his visit, Hek replied, “That also we will discuss with Amit Shah during his visit, if we get the opportunity”.
Shah is scheduled to visit Meghalaya on October 4 and 5, with the October 5 programme including the investiture of President’s Police Medals for Meghalaya Police.
The BJP’s rise followed the September 23 entry of eight UDP MLAs, including Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, Kyrmen Shylla, Pius Marwein, Mayralborn Syiem, Balajied Kupar Synrem, Olan Sing Suin, Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah and Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah. The BJP now has 10 MLAs, while the UDP has been reduced from 12 to four.
Conrad has said the switch has not changed the MDA’s numbers because both parties remain in the coalition. He also said the BJP had not sought additional Cabinet berths and ruled out an immediate reshuffle.
Hek has not said the BJP is demanding ministerial positions. But his remarks put the question back into the room.
The BJP has 10 MLAs now. The UDP has four. And Amit Shah is arriving in Meghalaya with that new arithmetic sitting quietly in the background.
