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Shillong, March 3: The composition of Team Mukul M. Sangma still remains indistinct as the Congress leadership weighs the pros and cons of probable candidates who will form part of the council of ministers.
Sangma flew down to New Delhi yesterday to meet AICC president Sonia Gandhi and discuss on who should be part of the chief minister’s team.
In the outgoing Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) ministry, apart from Sangma, the others who got re-elected to the Assembly include Rowell Lyngdoh, H.D.R. Lyngdoh, Prestone Tynsong, Abu Taher Mondal, M. Ampareen Lyngdoh, Roytre Christopher Laloo and Alexander L. Hek.
Congress sources said from among the aforementioned candidates, those who are likely to be inducted include Rowell Lyngdoh, H.D.R. Lyngdoh, Prestone Tynsong, Alexander L. Hek, M. Ampareen Lyngdoh and Roytre Christopher Laloo.
The other probables, a source said, could include former deputy chief minister Deborah C. Marak, first-timer Celestine Lyngdoh, second-term legislators Limison D. Sangma, Ronnie V. Lyngdoh and Sniawbhalang Dhar.
Tynsong and H.D.R. Lyngdoh are vying for the deputy chief minister’s post considering the fact that both have emerged as leaders in the Khasi-Jaintia hills region where the Congress managed to bag 16 from the 29 seats it won, the source added.
In the outgoing Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) government, Rowell Lyngdoh and Bindo M. Lanong were the two deputy chief ministers.
Meghalaya can have only 12 ministers in the cabinet.
The source said former power minister and Phulbari legislator Abu Taher Mondal was tipped to take over as the Speaker of the Assembly.
Mondal, a three-time legislator, who is considered close to Mukul Sangma, had won the 2013 election on a Congress ticket. Earlier, in 1998 and 2008, he won as an Independent.
Mondal pleaded ignorance when contacted by this correspondent.
“I have no idea,” he said, adding that it was the prerogative of the party leadership to shoulder him with any responsibility.
However, another source said though Mondal was tipped for the Speaker’s post, former Speaker Martin M. Danggo was also likely to be considered for it.
Danggo, who was elected from Ranikor constituency in South West Khasi Hills, had served as Speaker from 2003 to 2008.
The outgoing Speaker of the eighth Assembly, Charles Pyngrope, was defeated by UDP candidate Jemino Mawthoh from Nongthy-mmai.
It is an unwritten norm that a legislator, known to be close to the chief minister, is made the Speaker to ensure hiccup-free Assembly sessions.
With 29 legislators, the Congress, which will form the new government on Tuesday when governor R.S. Mooshahary will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Mukul Sangma, has received the support of 11 out of 13 Independent legislators and two NCP members.
The 11 Independents include Brigady Marak (Bajengdoba), Ashahel D. Shira (Rajabala), Rophul S. Marak (Rongara Siju), Michael Sangma (Tikrikilla), Stephanson Mukhim (Amlarem), Justine Dkhar (Khliehriat), Julias K. Dorphang (Mawhati), Hopeful Bamon (Sutnga Saipung), Robinus Syngkon (Mowkaiaw), Samuel M. Sangma (Baghmara) and David A. Nongrum (Mawryngkneng).
The NCP members include outgoing deputy Speaker Sanbor Shullai, who was elected from South Shillong constituency, and Marthon Sangma from Mendipathar.
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