Overview
- A day after eight new ministers were sworn in, the chief minister allocated portfolios, retaining Finance and Cabinet Affairs as Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar kept their existing charges.
- Key assignments include Metbah Lyngdoh taking Power, Water Resources and Taxation, Lahkmen Rymbui getting Education and Revenue, Wailadmiki Shylla taking Health and Sports, and Sanbor Shullai handling Animal Husbandry and allied departments.
- The new council has no women after Ampareen Lyngdoh’s exit, and East Jaintia Hills loses cabinet representation with UDP’s berth moving to Lahkmen Rymbui from West Jaintia Hills.
- Eight ministers were replaced on September 16 with the induction of Timothy D. Shira, Metbah Lyngdoh, Lahkmen Rymbui, Wailadmiki Shylla, Methodius Dkhar, Sanbor Shullai, Brening A. Sangma and Sosthenes Sohtun.
- The reshuffle consolidates influence linked to Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, draws opposition criticism over the absence of women, and comes as Sangma emphasizes sticking to coalition allotments despite NPP’s strength of 33 MLAs.