SHILLONG, Oct 18: The merger of eight United Democratic Party legislators with the Bharatiya Janata Party and confirmation of three more UDP MLAs joining the NPP on Monday has intensified speculation over a possible Cabinet reshuffle in Meghalaya, with the ruling National People’s Party expected to review ministerial berths and assert greater control within the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.
The reshuffle is likely to be announced immediately after the Durga Puja holidays.
Political circles are discussing the likelihood that the NPP will replace some of its existing ministers to accommodate shifting equations inside the coalition. Prospects of the BJP’s newly inducted legislators securing Cabinet positions remain uncertain.
Talk of a reshuffle has also been linked to reports that three of the four remaining UDP MLAs will join the NPP, a move that would further alter the balance of power within the alliance.
Sources said that names under discussion include Cabinet ministers Metbah Lyngdoh, Timothy D. Shira and Wailadmiki Shylla. There has been no official confirmation on which of them will be dropped.
West Shillong MLA and former minister Paul Lyngdoh is being mentioned as a strong contender for a ministerial post after he joins the ruling party. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Marcuise N. Marak and Gavin M. Mylliem are among other names circulating in political discussions, though their prospects remain unconfirmed.
Shylla’s position has drawn particular attention following reports of Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar meeting BJP leaders in New Delhi. No official link has been established between the meeting and any decision on the Health Minister’s future in the Cabinet.
The political churn follows the BJP’s expansion from two to 10 legislators after the eight former UDP MLAs joined its ranks. The UDP, which earlier had 12 members, is now left with four after the Speaker recognised the merger under the Tenth Schedule.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated earlier this month that there had been no discussions or plans to induct any of the eight new BJP legislators into the Cabinet. He maintained that the coalition remained committed to working together despite the change in numbers.
Any reshuffle will ultimately rest on decisions taken by the Chief Minister and consultations within the ruling alliance. Until an official announcement is made, the names being discussed and the possible movement of legislators remain matters of political speculation.