Shillong, Nov 3: Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira on Tuesday said Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma did not consult him before transferring the Tourism portfolio to newly inducted minister Paul Lyngdoh.
Shira, who was given Tourism after Lyngdoh was dropped last year, admitted he had developed a personal attachment to the department but said he had no objection as allocation of portfolios was the CM’s prerogative.
Lyngdoh, sworn in at Lok Bhavan on Monday, said the Chief Minister wanted continuity in ongoing activities and hence entrusted him with Tourism again.
“I am currently handling Agriculture and Fisheries and am yet to be informed about additional responsibilities. The CM is expected to complete the allocation by Tuesday or Wednesday,” Shira said.
Responding to suggestions that a senior NPP leader had lost the department to a minister who just joined the cabinet, Shira said there was no distinction between veterans and newcomers.
Lyngdoh, four-time MLA from West Shillong who returned to the cabinet after being dropped last year at the behest of UDP, said his immediate priority was to put tourism back on track and review key projects.
His remarks come amid opposition to the Shillong Peak Ropeway project, initiated during his previous tenure, after KHADC sealed the site.
