Ministers happy over distribution of portfolios

Shillong, March 08: Almost all ministers of the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition government today hailed the decision of the chief minister Conrad K Sangma with regards to the allocation of portfolios.

The eleven ministers assumed office on Thursday and held series of meetings with the officials of their respective departments.

The five-party coalition government has in its cabinet four ministers from National People’s Party (NPP), three United Democratic Party (UDP), two People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and one each from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP).

Speaking to reporters, senior-most minister in cabinet, Prestone Tynsong, who was given charge over PWD (Roads) said that the distribution of portfolios was very good as all the partners are happy.

“You know well when we talk about running a coalition government we have to adjust as much as possible and there is no other way but I am so glad that all partners are happy,” he claimed.

Home minister, James K. Sangma, who is also Conrad’s elder brother said that he is honored to the chief minister for giving him the responsibility to take care of important portfolios.

“I am very thankful to the chief minister and to the people of Meghalaya for this faith that they have betowed upon me,” he said.

Stating though there are very big challenges that lies in front of him as minister, he said, “But I am very hopeful that I will be able to be up for the challenge because we have a very good team in the cabinet.”

“We have a very dynamic chief minister and we are hopeful that as a team will be able to function together and be able to manage and face the challenge and overcome these challenges,” he said.

BJP leader AL Hek, who was also given the health portfolio, said that the distribution of portfolios by the chief minister was very justified.

“However, but what is important is for all to work together. At the end of the day we are working for the people and the state. The portfolio is not constituency centric but it is for serving the people of the state that is more important,” he stated.