Conrad K Sangma was sworn-in as Chief Minister for a second term along with his council of ministers at a function at Raj Bhavan here today.
The oath was administered by Governor Phagu Chauhan in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and several other Chief Ministers.
Prestone Tynsong was confirmed as Deputy CM but, this time, he will be joined by Sniawbhalang Dhar. Both Deputy CMs and their boss are from the National People’s Party (NPP).
Dhar has been a cabinet minister but has now been elevated to the role of Deputy CM.
Asked by reporters how he felt with this promotion, Dhar said simply, “It’s ok, not bad. Feel good always.”
Sangma said that there has been precedent in the past for more than one Deputy CM and that there is “nothing wrong” in Dhar’s inclusion and that it is “a strong representation of the different areas and regions of our state and it sends a positive message of inclusiveness.”
In this he was referring to Dhar’s origins in Jaiñtia Hills, with Tynsong from East Khasi Hills and Sangma from Garo Hills.
Although all 12 possible cabinet ministers were administered the oath, the distribution of portfolios will only be made known in the next one or two days, Sangma said.
Meanwhile, Sangma said that the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance- 2.0 government will take steps to ensure that no illegal mining and transportation of coal takes place. However, this is nothing new as the government has always maintained that it is firm against such illegalities even though the situation on the ground during the first MDA administration has too many examples to count of illegal mining and transportation.
As far as scientific coal mining goes, he said that the process of starting it is already underway and four groups have received clearances and their mining plans should be ready in a couple of months after which scientific mining will start in the state to replace the banned rat-hole mining.
The CM also said that his government will focus on infrastructure and the social sector by giving a lot of importance to youths in terms of employment.
Apart from the PM and Shah, other visiting dignitaries included Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, and those of Sikkim (Prem Singh Tamang) and Assam (Himanta Biswa Sarma).
Soren, of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, may be allied to the Congress Party but was present to congratulate Sangma, who he dubbed his “younger brother”.
He also said that his happiness is more as a tribal who has reached this success after going through so many struggles in the past.
