Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma made it clear on Tuesday that the four National People’s Party (NPP) legislators dropped from the state Cabinet earlier this month knew about the decision well ahead of time. He pushed back against claims that they were taken by surprise.
The comments came in response to former Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh, who said she only found out about her removal while attending an event in New Delhi. Sangma stressed that everyone got official notice before the Meghalaya Cabinet reshuffle kicked in.
On September 12 around 8 p.m., Sangma said he sent letters to each of the four ministers, spelling out his choice to remove them. “Those letters went out, and they all received them,” he noted. “I figure if a letter comes from the Chief Minister, they’ll take a look at it. No way they weren’t informed—this was all done formally.”
Sangma also downplayed talk that the reshuffle pushed aside experienced leaders. He argued that years in politics aren’t the only factor in building a strong Meghalaya government team. Instead, it’s about striking a balance with regional needs, seniority, and fresh faces from the youth.
“My Cabinet brings a good mix,” Sangma explained. “You’ve got veteran leaders with decades of public service, plus younger voices full of new ideas and energy. Both experience and dedication to Meghalaya’s people matter just as much.”
The changes were needed to address strong calls from various parts of the state, he added. Districts like Ri Bhoi, North Garo Hills, and West Khasi Hills pushed hard for more representation in the Cabinet.
“As Chief Minister, I have to listen to those regional aspirations in Meghalaya politics,” Sangma said. He wrapped up by calling the whole process a normal part of good governance—handled openly and following the rules.
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