Shillong, Sep 10: A book documenting the life, political contributions and legislative interventions of former Chief Minister B.B. Lyngdoh was released at the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Thursday.
Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma released the book and described Lyngdoh as a towering leader who played a crucial role in the state’s political development.
“This is not merely a book release but an occasion to honour a statesman whose public life was linked with the aspirations, identity and rights of the people of Meghalaya,” Sangma said.
Recalling his legacy, the Speaker said Lyngdoh was regarded as the father of coalition politics in Meghalaya, whose ability to build consensus showed that dialogue could strengthen democracy.
Sangma noted that Lyngdoh served as Chief Minister four times and his vision went beyond politics to issues of land, livelihood, development and social harmony. He highlighted Lyngdoh’s advocacy for cadastral surveys and his role in introducing the Local Area Development Scheme, now known as the MLA scheme.
Author Dr. Andrew Simons said Lyngdoh was among the leaders who fought for statehood and shaped the state’s political institutions. He said the book, which took nearly three years to complete, covers Lyngdoh’s political career from 1970 till his death in 2003.
