SHILLONG: Speculations about who will be the 12th man in Dr Mukul Sangma’s Cabinet has ended with ‘missing’ minister-designate Stanly Wiss Rymbai finally accepting the offer.
Rymbai admitted that Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has given a deadline to him for making up his mind within a day’s time. Apparently, the Chief Minister wants to complete his Cabinet formation by June 23.
“I have already made up my mind to accept the ministerial berth since my health has drastically improved,” Rymbai told The Shillong Times here on Monday.
Sources informed that Dr Sangma had told Rymbai to take a firm decision before June 23 otherwise he would have to consider giving the vacant berth to other party MLAs. Rymbai held confabulations here with several party leaders. There were indications that Rymbai was still trying to ascertain which group had majority in the CLP before deciding one way or other. It may be mentioned that on the day when Rymbai skipped the swearing-in ceremony on health ground, AL Hek, Shitlang Pale and Saleng Sangma were sworn in to fill the vacancies created by the ministers who were dropped on account of their alleged dissident activities. Meanwhile, the Umroi legislator also informed that he would meet the Chief Minister on Tuesday. Replying to a query, Rymbai said it would all depend on the Chief Minister to fix the date for his swearing-in ceremony. “I am ready; if he (Dr Mukul) tells me to be sworn-in tomorrow” he added.
