Metbah Lyngdoh resigned from cabinet on his own, says Conrad Sangma
The Chief Minister denied allegations of pressure after the UDP president stepped down following the departure of 11 MLAs from the party.
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated that United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh resigned as a minister of his own accord. Speaking to reporters in Shillong after Paul Lyngdoh took the oath on Monday, Sangma denied that there was any pressure from the ruling side.
According to the Meghalaya Monitor, Sangma said Lyngdoh decided to step down on moral grounds after 11 UDP MLAs left the party. The Chief Minister noted that Lyngdoh met him to share this information and submitted a resignation letter, which Sangma accepted.
Sangma remarked that politics often requires making decisions that are not always pleasing or happy. He added that the calculations and numbers in such a situation are complicated for everyone involved.
The Chief Minister also dismissed allegations from the Congress party that the National People's Party (NPP) is wiping out coalition partners like the People's Democratic Front and the UDP. He stated that it is not about wiping out anyone.
Sangma said individual MLAs have expressed faith in the NPP and its leadership, choosing to work with the party to strengthen the government. He maintained that these decisions were taken by the MLAs themselves.