By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 10: The recent Cabinet reshuffle resulting in the induction of Wailadmiki Shylla and Sosthenes Sohtun is being widely attributed to the growing clout of the influential Dhar family in Meghalaya politics. However, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar has dismissed the narrative surrounding the issue of family politics, terming it as irrelevant.
Reacting to reports questioning the presence of his family members in politics, Dhar said his role in the government is to serve the people of Meghalaya and not promote family interests.
“I am here to work for my people, not for my family. This is not new—if Conrad K. Sangma and his brother James PK Sangma could be in the cabinet for a full term, then what is the problem? Wailadmiki Shylla is my brother-in-law, not my brother. If Dr. Mukul Sangma could serve as a minister along with his brother Zenith Sangma, then what is the problem? A ministerial berth is not a family post—it is to serve the people.”
He further clarified that holding office was not about family privilege but public service.
“This chair is for the people of the state, not for the Dhar family,” he said.
On being asked if family politics in Meghalaya was a reality, Dhar responded by saying that reacting to every comment would only be a waste of time.
“If I have to react to anybody who talks about me, I will have no time to work. We are leaders who work equally for the state—there is no division between Jaintia Hills or Khasi Hills, we are here for the people of Meghalaya.”
When questioned about the possibility of a Jaintia Chief Minister, Dhar chose to steer clear of speculation.
“The election is two and a half years away. Let us talk only about development,” he said. On whether he aspires to be chief minister, Dhar remarked, “A time will come for everybody. Let us focus on development first. You should pray that you get a good chief minister—and we already have a good chief minister.”
Dhar also reaffirmed that the National People’s Party (NPP) remains united and stable under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
“In NPP there are no differences at all. For the last seven and a half years we have been working together as a team. There has been no destabilisation in the government. If you recall the Congress regime, there were constant changes, but in NPP there is no such issue. This is the most stable government since the inception of Meghalaya,” Dhar asserted.
