Meghalaya: Backed by BJP, Sangma takes oath for 2nd term; PM attends

BJP has won only two seats in the Assembly elections held in 59 constituencies.

New Delhi | Updated: 07 March, 2023 3:03 pm IST

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma with PM Modi after his swearing-in ceremony in Shillong.

Meghalaya’s new satrap Conrad Sangma was sworn in as the chief minister for the second term at a humble ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Shillong on Tuesday.

Two other MLAs from his National People’s Party (NPP), Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar have been sworn in as deputy chief ministers of the coalition government, which includes players like United Democratic Party (UDP), the BJP, and the Hill State People’s Democratic Party.

Alexander Laloo Hek of the BJP, Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla of the UDP, and Shakliar Warjri of the HSPDP also took oath as ministers in the NPP-led coalition government which has a strength of 45 in the 60-member Assembly.

Despite BJP winning only two seats, top BJP leadership descended in Shillong for his swearing-in ceremony, underlining PM Modi’s unwavering commitment to the development of the northeast.

*Sangma attends a prayer session at his office after taking oath as Meghalaya CM for the second consecutive term on Tuesday.*

PM Modi, home minister Amit Shah, and BJP president JP Nadda attended the swearing-in ceremony.

“Took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Meghalaya today. Privileged to have the blessings and presence of Hon’ble Prime Minister, @narendramodi ji, Hon’ble HM, Sh @AmitShah ji, fellow Hon’ble CMs and other dignitaries,” Sangma tweeted.

Led by an Archbishop and a Pastor, Sangma attended two prayer sessions before and after the oath-taking.

“My Cabinet and I will serve the people & our state with renewed dedication, keeping our oath of service,” the NDPP chief said.

On Monday, Sangma handed over a letter of support to Governor Phagu Chauhan to form the government. On the same day, 58 newly elected MLAs administered the oath of office and secretary as members of the Assembly by pro-tem speaker Timothy D Shira.

CM Sangma ran the government for five years with the support of the BJP, but their alliance fell off just before the polls. During the campaigning, the BJP called Sangma’s government as “most corrupt” but it was the first party to strike a post-poll alliance with the NPP.