SHILLONG: Political circles and citizens alike have expressed shock over Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s decision to drop Ampareen Lyngdoh, one of the senior-most women legislators, from his cabinet.
Ampareen, who many expected would continue as a minister, was removed along with four other NPP ministers in the recent reshuffle. The reasons behind her exclusion remain unclear, though speculation is rife about political undercurrents influencing the decision.
Just last week, the Meghalaya High Court had given her relief in a case related to alleged irregularities during her tenure in the Education Department, further fuelling questions over her removal.
Observers note that the move comes at a time when the Centre has approved 33% reservation for women in legislatures, making her exclusion appear contradictory to broader gender representation efforts.
While Ampareen’s exit has stirred debate, two other NPP women MLAs — Santa Mary Shylla from Sutnga-Saipung and Mehtab Chandee Sangma from Gambegre (and wife of the Chief Minister) — remain potential candidates for cabinet berths in the future.
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