Shillong, Jul 26: As the NPP-led MDA 2.0 government approaches its halfway mark, the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) president KP Pangiang acknowledged growing sentiment within the party to share ministerial responsibilities equally between its two MLAs—Shakliar Warjri and Methodius Dkhar.
The growing speculation is that the possible reshuffling of the MDA can happen as early as September after the Autumn Session of the Meghalaya Assembly.
Warjri, who holds the Sports and Youth Affairs portfolio may be replaced. Dkhar, his party colleague, is also hopeful about being given a chance to serve in the Cabinet, sparking internal discussions within the party.
Pangiang confirmed that the matter is being considered but clarified that no decision has been taken yet. “There is a feeling that the responsibility should be shared, but we will sit together—along with both the MLAs—to deliberate before arriving at any decision,” he said.
He also stated that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has not yet been approached regarding the matter, as the party intends to finalise its internal stand before taking the conversation forward.
Meanwhile, sources say the prospect of cabinet reshuffling is not limited to HSPDP. Within other MDA constituents like the BJP, NPP, and UDP, several MLAs who have not yet made it into the cabinet are said to be eyeing possible openings.
