By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: Amid growing speculation of a cabinet reshuffle in Meghalaya, UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh has made it clear that there is no internal agreement or understanding within the party regarding the sharing of cabinet berths.
“There is no discussion, agreement as such this kind of thing. As far as UDP is concerned, we never discussed about this. But who knows about tomorrow; politics is politics. No comment,” Lyngdoh said, choosing his words carefully while keeping the door open for possibilities ahead.
The UDP, a key ally in the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance 2.0 government, currently holds two cabinet berths among its 12 MLAs. However, Lyngdoh dismissed suggestions of any planned reshuffle or power-sharing arrangement being discussed within the party ranks.
“There’s nothing. No discussion within UDP internally,” he responded, when specifically asked if talks were ongoing about a change in cabinet positions.
The remarks follow Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma’s June 24 statement where he had said that a cabinet reshuffle would be considered “when the situation and time arose.” His comment has since fuelled political chatter, especially as the MDA 2 government is poised to complete two-and-a-half years in office a milestone that traditionally sparks review and recalibration within coalition arrangements.
UDP’s plans for GHADC polls
On another front, Lyngdoh also addressed the UDP’s plans for the upcoming Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) elections.
He said the party has held initial discussions with friends and local leaders in the Garo Hills and is interested in fielding candidates. However, no final decision has been taken yet.
“Perhaps, but we are yet to decide. We had a discussion with friends from Garo Hills… we want to put up candidates but we are yet to finalise it,” he said.
Will the reshuffle remain talk or take shape? As the political calendar ticks forward, eyes remain on both the UDP’s internal moves and the chief minister’s next step.
