By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 18: Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma has criticised Chief Minister’s Conrad K. Sangma’s approach to the recent Cabinet reshuffle as “abnormal” and inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of India.
He questioned the legality of the letters circulated to ministers regarding their removal, stating that it is not in line with the constitutional provisions.
Mukul explained that under normal constitutional provisions, ministers are appointed by the Governor and are required to take an oath of office administered by the Governor. “Therefore, if a minister is asked to cease work without resigning, it is unconstitutional because the CM can only advise but cannot drop the minister,” he argued.
Sangma highlighted the circulation of the letter issued by the CM as a blatant violation of the Constitution. He pointed out that only the Governor can communicate the replacement of a minister.
Calling the situation a matter of “simple common sense”, the Opposition leader remarked, “He (CM) can recommend and advise internally that we are going to effect a reshuffle on such and such date. You cannot say you will have to stop working, that is unconstitutional. He should not have used such language.”
