SHILLONG, Sep 19: The state Congress on Friday said the NPP-led MDA government’s “bad” cabinet reshuffle was carried out under political pressure and with eyes fixed on election funds rather than merit.
It urged the sidelined MLAs to voice their discontent instead of sulking in silence.
MPCC secretary Manuel Badwar said the reshuffle disheartened several ministers who handled their portfolios well. He exhorted the people to raise their voices against the “deliberate attempt” to channel resources to “select parties and individuals” for electoral advantage.
According to him, the NPP views elections purely as a “money game” built on the formula of “paisa feko tamasha dekho.” He, however, expressed confidence that the people of Meghalaya would deliver a fitting response in due course.
Badwar argued that a fair appraisal system should have guided the reshuffling exercise, rewarding ministers based on departmental performance and development.
“Instead, merit was brushed aside while pressure tactics dictated the outcome. Such pressure was not only from individuals but from external organisations, reflecting a disturbing pattern in the MDA government, he said.
He alleged that the reshuffle exposed the “invisible hands” of the BJP in Meghalaya’s governance, claiming that the ruling alliance was leaning towards crony capitalism, where political power and family continuity prevailed over good governance.
He warned that this approach would only benefit a select few close to power while widening the economic disparity across the state. Badwar cautioned that 80-90% of Meghalaya’s population would see no benefit from the government’s policies under such a system, while the rich would get richer and the poor sink deeper into hardship. The fallout, he said, would strike livelihoods, education, health, and every sphere of public life, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the cost of misplaced priorities.
Shira’s induction likely to get NGH much-needed recognition
The inclusion of Resubelpara MLA Timothy D Shira in the cabinet is being seen as both a political correction and a long-awaited recognition for North Garo Hills, which had gone without ministerial representation for 15 years.
The development has stirred expectations that the district’s chronic issues, particularly poor connectivity, will finally receive focused attention.
NPP legislator from Kharkutta Rupert Momin welcomed the decision, remarking that the district had at last regained its voice in the government. He underlined that road infrastructure remains one of its most critical needs. According to him, while some stretches are functional, others continue to suffer neglect.
He cited the Mendipathar to Songsak road, built with German technology, as an example, noting that it has deteriorated under the weight of heavy truck movement linked to the railway station.
Similarly, the Resubelpara to the 100-bed Hospital Road still awaits full construction.
He further pointed out that sections of the Kharkutta to Darangiri and Mendipathar to Krishnai roads remain unrepaired, hampering the transport of bananas, arecanut, and broomsticks. On the other hand, he informed that the Adokgre to Mangsang road has been completed, while the Mendipathar to Songsak project has already been sanctioned.
Expressing optimism, Momin said Shira’s elevation to the Cabinet would help push these projects forward. He also conveyed that the government has pledged to connect major villages with reliable roads within the next two years, a promise that, if fulfilled, could mark a turning point for the district.
Shillong representation in Cabinet goes down
The representation of the capital city of Shillong has declined in the new Cabinet of Meghalaya, which took charge recently, with only one MLA from the city included.
In the new Cabinet, the sole minister from Shillong is BJP’s Sanbor Shullai, who represents the South Shillong constituency.
In contrast, the previous Cabinet, before the reshuffle, had three ministers from the capital — AL Hek from Pynthorumkhrah, Paul Lyngdoh from West Shillong, and Ampareen Lyngdoh from East Shillong.
The new Cabinet also lacks women’s representation as well as representation from the minority community.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had defended the reshuffle, pointing out that the previous Cabinet did include women and non-tribals through Ampareen Lyngdoh and A.T. Mondal, both of whom were dropped in the recent exercise.
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