By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 16: The cabinet reshuffle by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has laid bare the shifting power equations within the ruling NPP, with Rajya Sabha member Wanwei Roy Kharlukhi, widely regarded as the top strategist of the party, finding himself sidelined, leaving Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar to cement his stature as the political strongman of Jaintia Hills.
The first blow came when Comingone Ymbon, long regarded as one of Kharlukhi’s closest confidants, was dropped from the cabinet.
His seat was swiftly filled up by Wailadmiki Shylla, who also happens to be the brother-in-law of Sniawbhalang Dhar, underscoring Dhar’s growing clout in ministerial appointments.
Adding to the list of setbacks for the Kharlukhi camp, O. Lamin, another trusted associate of the MP and a nominated member in the previous JHADC, was denied renomination this time around.
This twin snub has fuelled speculation that Kharlukhi’s considerable influence within the corridors of power is now in steep decline.
When contacted, Kharlukhi declined to be drawn into controversy, maintaining that he would not comment at this stage.
He only remarked that “time will tell,” a terse response that does little to conceal the widening fault lines within the ruling NPP.
The developments have sparked intense chatter in political circles, with many seeing the reshuffle as less about governance and more about reinforcing Dhar’s dominance over Jaintia Hills politics.
The question now is whether Kharlukhi, a seasoned operator in state and national politics, can reclaim lost ground or whether the rise of Dhar has marked a decisive shift in the balance of power in Meghalaya.