MLAs Of Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-2 Take Oath, BJP To Get 1 And NPP 8 Cabinet Berths

NPP chief Conrad Sangma on Monday announced the new Cabinet distribution in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance.

The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected legislators in Meghalaya took place on Monday, with pro-tem speaker Timothy D Shira administering the oath of office and secrecy to the MLAs. National People's Party (NPP) head and outgoing chief minister Conrad K Sangma present at the ceremony announced that the newly formed alliance will be called Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA).

"We have decided to elect the Chief Minister as the Chairman of the MDA-2 as well," Conrad Sangma said on state govt formation. He also announced that BJP will get one cabinet berth, while 2 will go to United Democratic Party (UDP) in the new government.

"In the cabinet out of the 12 members, 8 will go to The National People's party, 2 will go to United Democratic Party, 1 to Hill State People's Democratic Party and 1 to BJP," Sangma said.

Earlier in the day, Sangma said since the election is over is time to do real work. He also requested all the parties to work with a positive mindset.

"I appeal to all parties that the election is over & now we need to move forward with the real work. I request all parties that let us all work with a positive mindset...I thank UDP & PDF for accepting my request & giving support to NPP-led Govt," Conrad Sangma said as quoted by ANI.

Last week on Friday, Sangma met Meghalaya Governor Phagu Chauhan at Raj Bhawan in Shillong and submitted his resignation letter as Chief Minister and stake claim to form the government.

The NPP won 26 seats in the elections, while the BJP won only two seats. Two Hill State People's Democratic Party MLAs, who have won the elections, have also pledged their support to the NPP-BJP coalition, along with two other Independent legislators.

Two major regional parties – the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People's Democratic Front (PDF) – on Sunday extended their support to the NPP-led alliance, increasing the number of MLAs backing the Sangma-led coalition to 45.

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma won from the South Tura constituency with a margin of 5,016 against Bharatiya Janata Party's Bernard N. Marak, as per the data shared by the Election Commission of India on Thursday.