No assurance to Cabinet berth to Ronnie V Lyngdoh: Sniawbhalang Dhar

Shillong, July 30: Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister and NPP national vice president, Sniawbhalang Dhar, clarified on Wednesday that there is no agreement or assurance of a Cabinet berth for Mylliem legislator Ronnie V Lyngdoh following his decision to join the National People’s Party (NPP).
Responding to media queries, Dhar stated, “There was no discussion regarding any Cabinet position. The only understanding was that Lyngdoh would join the party to strengthen it.”
He added that responsibilities for Lyngdoh, whether in the government or the party, would be decided in due course.
“One of the reasons he (Lyngdoh) joined is because he appreciated the work being done by the NPP-led MDA Government,” Dhar said.
Meanwhile, former Mylliem MLA and NPP state working president, Hamletson Dohling, said Lyngdoh’s entry into the party was not a sudden move.
According to him, discussions had taken place at the highest levels, including with NPP national president Conrad K. Sangma and state president Prestone Tynsong.
“The party welcomes leaders who are committed to working for the welfare of the people. Lyngdoh’s decision is a step forward for collective growth,” Dohling said, adding that NPP has created history by becoming the party with the highest number of MLAs.
When asked whether the move was aimed at countering the rising popularity of the VPP in Mylliem, Dohling replied, “We are not concerned with what other parties are doing. Our focus is on strengthening NPP across all constituencies.”
He also dismissed concerns of any rivalry over the 2028 party ticket from Mylliem, saying the NPP is a disciplined party that knows how to take decisions at the right time.
“We are working with a goal to return to power in 2028, and Lyngdoh’s joining will contribute to the party’s mission for the overall development of the State,” he added.