Shillong: The Meghalaya cabinet is set for a major reshuffle this week, with reports suggesting that as many as five ministers could lose their positions.
According to sources, three ministers from the National People’s Party (NPP), along with one each from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), are likely to be dropped.
From the NPP side, the names doing the rounds include lone woman minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Comingone Ymbon, and Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma.
If the changes go through, NPP stalwart Timothy D. Shira, who recently resigned as Deputy Speaker, is expected to step into Rakkam’s place. Former Congress leader Brening Sangma, now representing Kherapara in West Garo Hills, may replace Mondal. Ampareen could be succeeded by Gavin Miguel Mylliem, who had contested on a PDF ticket in 2023 before joining the NPP. Comingone Ymbon is likely to be replaced by Jowai MLA Wailadmiki Shylla.
In the BJP and HSPDP camp, Animal Husbandry Minister Alexander Laloo Hek and Sports Minister Shakliar Warjri are likely to make way for their party colleagues Sanbor Shullai and Methodious Dkhar, respectively. This move comes under an understanding between the two parties to share cabinet berths for two-and-a-half years each.
Meanwhile, speculation is also rife within the United Democratic Party (UDP). Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Kyrmen Shylla may be replaced either by party president Metbah Lyngdoh, who represents Mairang, or Mowkaiaw legislator Nujorki Sungoh.
EastMojo reached out to MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh, who declined to comment, while Mawshynrut MLA Methodius Dkhar confirmed that the notification will be out by this week.
“Yes, Shakliar and I have spoken. I look forward to the department that I’ll be assigned,” Dkhar told EastMojo..
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