By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 30: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has described his Cabinet is a “balanced Cabinet” in terms of regional representation, experience, seniority and youth, after concerns were raised about experienced and capable politicians being dropped.
Sangma downplayed such notion, saying that experience alone is not the sole factor in Cabinet formation. “What matters is the experience and commitment of leaders towards the state,” he said.
He noted that some incumbent ministers have extensive experience, having been in public life for decades.
Explaining the restructuring, Sangma said he had to accommodate regional aspirations, with strong demands coming from Ri Bhoi, North Garo Hills, and West Khasi Hills, making it necessary to strike a balance.
Reacting to a statement by Ampareen Lyngdoh, who was reportedly left embarrassed during a programme in New Delhi when news of her removal surfaced, Sangma clarified that the communication was made in advance.
The CM confirmed that all four NPP MLAs who were dropped from the State Cabinet earlier this month had received official letters informing them of the decision.
He recalled that on September 12, around 8 p.m., letters were dispatched to all four NPP ministers in the Cabinet regarding their removal.
“The letter was sent and all of them received it. I expect that when they receive a letter from the Chief Minister, they will go through it,” Sangma said, asserting that due process was followed and that the question of not informing them “does not arise,” as all details were clearly mentioned in the letter.
