By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 15: With the Cabinet reshuffle of the Conrad K. Sangma-led government scheduled for Tuesday, the ‘influential’ Dhar family will now have three representatives in the council of ministers — Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, his brother-in-law Wailadmiki Shylla, and close aide Sosthenes Sohtun.
Shylla is the husband of Dhar’s elder sister, while Sohtun, known for his ties with the Dhar family, was encouraged by Ngaitlang Dhar, Sniawbhalang’s elder brother, to contest the 2018 Assembly elections from Jirang. At that time, Sohtun was serving as circle president of the Ri-Bhoi Youth Front (RBYF).
It is claimed that the decision to induct Sohtun was to have representation from Ri-Bhoi in the Cabinet.
The reshuffle has altered representation across districts. With Ampareen Lyngdoh being dropped, the cabinet will not have any women members.
Likewise, Kyrmen Shylla’s exit will leave East Jaintia Hills without any representation, as the United Democratic Party (UDP) quota has gone to Lahkmen Rymbui who represent Amlarem constituency in West Jaintia Hills.
Party insiders said first-time MLA Santa Mary Shylla would have been a better choice to replace Comingone Ymbon, as her inclusion would have restored both women’s representation and ensured East Jaintia Hills retained a Cabinet berth.
With the reshuffle, all three Jaintia Hills ministers in the cabinet will be from West Jaintia Hills.
On the National People’s Party (NPP) side, the new inductees — veteran legislator Timothy D. Shira (Resubelpara) and Brening A. Sangma (Dalu) represent North Garo Hills and West Garo Hills respectively.
