Shillong, September 21: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has written an open letter to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, urging that he considers relinquishing his chair to a leader from the Khasi-Jaintia region for the second half of the term.
The organisation was referring to the historic power-sharing arrangement between the late Purno Agitok Sangma and BB Lyngdoh in 1998, where they shared the Chief Minister’s chair in the interest of balance and fairness.
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Welcoming the Sangma’s decision to effect a cabinet reshuffle by dropping eight ministers to pave way for new faces, HITO president Donbok Dkhar said, “While this spirit of fairness and inclusivity is welcome, it is also ironic that in matriarchal Meghalaya, there is now no woman representation in the cabinet after the exit of Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh.This inevitably raises a larger and more fundamental question. If this principle is truly to be applied in its full measure, should it not also extend to the chair of the Chief Minister itself? By the same logic that saw eight ministers asked to step aside to make way for others, should not the Chief Minister also consider relinquishing his chair in favour of another leader, even if only for the second half of the term?”
Stating that the precedent exists, Dkhar said, “In 1998, the late Purno Agitok Sangma — your beloved father, a towering statesman from Meghalaya whose stature was recognised nationally and internationally — agreed to a 50:50 power-sharing arrangement with the late B.B. Lyngdoh. Despite rising to the highest offices (Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Cabinet Minister), P.A. Sangma remained grounded, humble and known for his great sense of humour. B.B. Lyngdoh was no less revered: a highly educated lawyer, witty yet firm, fearless in principle, and respected for his sagacity and simplicity. Together, these two giants set a historic precedent — not weakness but foresight — showing that even the Chief Minister’s chair could be shared in the interest of balance and fairness. Their act reshaped Meghalaya’s politics and stands as a model for the country, with lessons still relevant today.”
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He said that today, as things stand, leadership at the four highest constitutional positions in the state — Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, Speaker and Deputy Speaker — rests with leaders from the Garo community, reflecting their strength and influence.”Yet this also highlights the need to ensure proportionate space for the Khasi-Jaiñtia region in the spirit of balance and fairness. For the second half of the term, it would be only just and proportionate that the Chief Ministership be entrusted to a leader from the Khasi-Jaiñtia region,” Dkhar stated adding, “You have at your disposal able and senior colleagues — Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, and UDP President Metbah Lyngdoh, who is not only the former Speaker but also a newly inducted minister. Each of them commands both experience and legitimacy. Handing over the leadership to one of them would not only reflect your declared belief that everything must be fair, but also stand as a statesmanlike act in the footsteps of your late father, setting a new precedent in Meghalaya’s democratic journey.”
(Newmai News Network)