SHILLONG: The ruling coalition’s completion of half of its term has renewed speculations in the political circles about possible rejig among its smaller constituents like BJP and HSPDP. The wannabes in these parties who have been waiting in the wings, seem to be doing every to press for their case.
Speculations about Sanbor Shullai replacing AL Hek of the BJP were going on for a long time. Although, earlier it was clarified that there was no commitment to share the solitary cabinet berth on fifty-fifty basis, now it seems the final decision of the BJP on the issue will be out within a month.
State BJP president, Ernest Mawrie said on Tuesday that the party had already apprised the central leadership about it. Mawrie said, “I have even spoken to General Secretary in charge North East Ram Madhav and within this month we will know the decision”. The NPP which is heading the coalition has left it to the respective parties. “It is the prerogative of the BJP and its leadership to take a call on the matter and we have nothing to do with it”, a party source said.
No change of horse
in UDP
Another coalition partner UDP seems to have no internal fissure over cabinet berth. The party’s general secretary Jemino Mawthoh said that the party was comfortable with the present ministerial berth and there were no talks of changing horse mid-stream.
He did not comment further but told a section of the reporters that the UDP was the least controversial party.
It may be mentioned that there are cases of sharing of ministerial berths in other regional political parties. UDP has three ministers in the MDA government.
Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), another coalition partner, has only one ministerial berth in the MDA. Talks are ongoing within the party between Samlin Malngiang and Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar.