Guwahati: West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh was sworn in as a minister in the Meghalaya government on Monday, November 2, marking his return to the state Cabinet days after joining the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma confirmed Lyngdoh’s induction through a social media post following the oath-taking ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Shillong.
Sharing the update on November 2, Sangma said he had attended the ceremony and extended his congratulations and best wishes to the newly inducted minister. He also expressed hope that Lyngdoh would serve the people of Meghalaya with dedication and commitment.
Lyngdoh’s induction fills the ministerial vacancy left by former United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh, who had resigned from the Council of Ministers.
His appointment comes amid a significant realignment within Meghalaya’s political landscape, with 11 legislators recently leaving the UDP. Of these, eight joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while Paul Lyngdoh and two other MLAs moved towards the NPP.
The NPP formally welcomed Paul Lyngdoh and Mawkyrwat MLA Renikton Lyngdoh into the party on October 28. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong handed over their membership certificates at the party headquarters. Mookaiaw MLA Nujorji Sungoh, who was also seeking to join the NPP, could not attend the event due to illness.
Paul Lyngdoh had previously served as Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister and was associated with several initiatives aimed at promoting the state’s tourism sector. Among the major projects pursued during his tenure was the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway, which has recently faced scrutiny following objections from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council.
His return to the Cabinet comes at a time of shifting political equations in the state, following the departure of several legislators from the UDP and their movement towards the NPP and BJP.