Shillong, Sep 16:Few were more taken by surprise by the cabinet reshuffle that was completed today than one of its victims, Paul Lyngdoh of the United Democratic Party (UDP).
For Lyngdoh, one of eight ministers who lost their seats in cabinet, he has had to let go of the Tourism, Arts & Culture, Textiles and Social Welfare portfolios, the development came unexpectedly.
Speaking to reporters today, Lyngdoh said there was no prior indication of such a change. “Unlike other political parties, like the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and HSPDP (Hill State People’s Democratic Party), there was no written or verbal agreement on a two-and-a-half-year power-sharing arrangement,” he explained. “In fact, a statement to this effect was made by the party president (Metbah Lyngdoh, who has now been inducted into the cabinet) only a month ago. But in politics, things change. A week is a long time in politics, as the saying goes. This was a decision taken by the parliamentary party of the UDP.”
On being asked if he felt betrayed, Lyngdoh refrained from making direct remarks but highlighted his contributions as a minister, saying “The party gave me a platform and I have tried my best to be an asset to Meghalaya.”
He referred to several schemes initiated during his time, though most of these have only just begun, such as the Rs 175 crore ropeway project and Rs 25 crore Iewduh transformation.
Reflecting on his political journey, Lyngdoh said he had always looked beyond personal or constituency-based gains. “This is my fourth term as a cabinet minister. I have served under the leadership of DD Lapang, JD Rymbai and now Conrad K Sangma. I have never confined development to West Shillong (his current constituency) alone. For instance, as Sports Minister, I sanctioned a stadium in Mawsynram even though the local MLA was in the opposition. To me, Mawsynram was not the opposition, it was part of Meghalaya. That should be the spirit of leadership,” he said.
As for his political future, Lyngdoh said he has not made any decisions yet. “I have only begun consultations with the Shillong City UDP unit. But I believe every setback can be a setup for something greater. My personal feelings will not dictate my decisions. I see myself as a conveyor belt for change, growth, and progress,” he added.
