SHILLONG: United Democratic Party (UDP) MLA from Mawsynram, Ollan Singh Suin, on Tuesday asserted that the decision to replace the party’s ministers in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government was taken collectively by all 10 UDP MLAs and not unilaterally by the party president.
His statement comes in the wake of the recent reshuffle in which two UDP ministers: Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla were dropped after completing two-and-a-half years in office. They were replaced by UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh and Lahkmen Rymbui.
Speaking to the media, Suin said all the party’s MLAs had signed in agreement to effect the change in ministers, stressing that the move reflected the party’s collective decision.
He added that the only individuals who were not aware of the decision were the two ministers concerned, Paul Lyngdoh and Kyrmen Shylla.
Reacting to Paul Lyngdoh’s allegation that the decision was taken single-handedly by the party president, Suin dismissed the claim, maintaining that the decision had the backing of all UDP MLAs and must be respected as a party decision.
Suin also admitted that he would welcome the opportunity to become a minister if given the chance, noting that everyone aspires to move up the ranks and no one wishes to remain in the same position indefinitely.
