By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 18: Former Agriculture Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has expressed surprise and disappointment over her sudden removal from the cabinet, saying she was not informed beforehand by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, despite asking him multiple times.
Lyngdoh on Thursday revealed that she went to New Delhi to attend the National Rabi Campaign conference on the advice of the chief minister and learnt that the official letter of her removal was delivered to her residence in Shillong.
“I was constantly in touch with the CM, asking whether I should attend the conference. At no point did he indicate that I would be dropped,” she told reporters.
She admitted she did not notice the letter initially, as it was mixed with other correspondence at her residence. “I was a little surprised that such an important communication was simply sent without even alerting me,” she said.
Lyngdoh recalled asking the CM multiple times about speculation of a reshuffle but was never told she would be excluded.
“If I had known, I would not have attended the Delhi meeting as an Agriculture Minister. On the second day, when I had to be present before the Union Agriculture Minister, the swearing-in of the new cabinet was already scheduled in Shillong,” she said.
The former minister questioned the lack of consultation, calling the process “casual” and “insulting” to her constituents.
“We are servants of the people. It is not necessary to hold a ministerial post to serve them, but the manner in which the reshuffle was handled is disappointing,” she added.
Lyngdoh also had issues with the CM’s claim of seniority being a factor, arguing that she too is among the most senior leaders, having been elected five times.
“I know it is the CM’s prerogative to drop ministers, but I will seek clarity on the reasons,” she said.
On the issue of women’s representation, Lyngdoh stressed that the absence of women in the cabinet sends the wrong message.
“Across the country, even in Parliament, there is a call for greater women’s participation in governance. To exclude women from the cabinet undermines their contribution in politics,” she remarked.
She maintained that she would first seek answers from the CM before commenting further, but admitted that the episode has left her “in the dark” about the real motives behind her removal.
The annual Rabi Campaign conference, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, was held on September 15 and 16 in New Delhi.
