SHILLONG, NOV 27: Despite the Garo Hills region sending the largest number of legislators to the Meghalaya Assembly under the ruling National People’s Party (NPP), the area continues to grapple with a glaring absence of cabinet representation. With 19 MLAs from Garo Hills, the region has become a powerful political force, murmurs of demand for greater cabinet representation have surfaced. The spotlight is particularly on districts like North Garo Hills, which has not seen an MLA included in the cabinet for almost 15 years, sparking renewed demands for greater political inclusion.
As of now, the NPP holds all four legislative seats from North Garo Hills, with Rupert Momin from Kharkutta, Marthon J Sangma from Mendipather, Timothy D. Shira from Resubelpara, and Pongseng Marak from Bagengdoba. However, the district remains unrepresented in the cabinet, which has sparked a demand for greater political inclusion.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who is serving his second consecutive term, addressed these concerns on Wednesday. While he acknowledged the aspirations for greater cabinet representation, he emphasized that any decisions would have to be balanced across the entire state of Meghalaya, considering the interests of all regions—Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills.
“Though none of the MLAs have ever mentioned this to me, of course, they would like to see more ministers. But we have to keep the larger picture and larger politics in mind. It is not only about Garo Hills region, Khasi, or Jaintia Hill region—it is about the entire state of Meghalaya. We need to ensure that we move in a balanced way and carry everybody along,” Sangma said.
The Chief Minister further explained that his government gives attention to the concerns of local MLAs and strives to address them, despite regional demands. “When it comes to local MLAs and their issues, we have been very particular. We give a lot of attention to the issues that are raised by the MLAs and try to resolve them. I have seen a sense of satisfaction; of course, there will always be a desire and demand, but none of them had mentioned that to me openly. However, I have seen they have full trust and confidence in the government and in the leadership,” he added.
While acknowledging the desire for more representation, Sangma stressed that the broader interests of the state must always take precedence. “We will continue to work for the larger interest of the state,” he said.
Sangma also expressed his gratitude to the people of Gambegre, where the NPP recently achieved a historic victory in the bye-election. “This constituency may be one of the toughest constituencies for us, especially in the Garo Hills region, because in the last four elections, we have never won from this constituency and have always been in third position,” he said, reflecting on the difficult campaign.
“It was a very tough election, but I am thankful to everybody for having supported and worked for us to win this election. We got support from all quarters,” Sangma added.
Despite the party’s significant win in Gambegre, North Garo Hills remains without representation in the cabinet. In 2011, then Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma had removed four dissident ministers from his cabinet, including FW Momin from Mendipather, Prestone Tynsong, Augustine Marak, and F.S. Cajee, replacing them with Alexander L. Hek, Shitlang Pale, and Saleng Sangma. However, the district has remained sidelined in cabinet representation ever since.