On March 2, 2018, Conrad Sangma, a member of the National People’s Party (NPP), staked claim to form the government in Meghalaya after the results of the assembly elections were announced on March 3, 2018. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 7, 2018.
The NPP emerged as the second-largest party in the elections, winning 19 seats in the 60-member assembly. The Congress, which was the ruling party in Meghalaya, won 21 seats but couldn’t reach the majority mark of 31 seats. The BJP, which contested in the elections in a coalition with the NPP and other regional parties, won only 2 seats.
Conrad Sangma, who is the son of former Lok Sabha speaker Purno Sangma, is expected to be sworn in as the Chief Minister. He had earlier served as the minister of state for tourism in the NDA government.
The NPP has joined forces with United Democratic Party (UDP), People’s Democratic Front (PDF), Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), and one independent MLA to form the government in Meghalaya. The coalition has a total of 34 MLAs, which is comfortably above the majority mark.
The swearing-in ceremony is expected to be attended by several high-profile politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Rajnath Singh, and several chief ministers.
The NPP has been steadily gaining ground in the Northeastern states, where it has been focusing on identity politics and regional issues. Meghalaya, which has a predominantly Christian population, has been a challenging state for the BJP to make inroads due to its Hindutva ideology. However, the NPP has managed to emerge as a strong regional player in the state, promising to protect the culture and identity of the people.
The challenges ahead for the new government are significant. Meghalaya, which is known for its natural beauty and abundant resources, has been facing several issues related to infrastructure, education, and health care. The state has a high poverty rate, and the unemployment rate is also high, with many young people migrating to other parts of the country in search of better employment opportunities.
The new government will need to take steps to boost the state’s economy, create jobs, and address the social issues faced by its people. It will also need to put in place a plan to improve the infrastructure, including roads and electricity, and to provide better health care and education to the people. The state has a significant tribal population, and the government will need to work closely with the tribal communities to address their concerns and needs.
Conrad Sangma, who has been actively involved in the politics of Meghalaya for several years, is expected to bring his experience and knowledge to the table. He is known for his vision for the development of the Northeastern region and has been a strong supporter of regional parties and issues.
The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be a grand affair, with many people from across the region expected to attend. It will be a significant moment for the NPP, which has been steadily gaining ground in the Northeastern states.
Meghalaya has been a challenging state for political parties due to its diverse population and unique cultural and linguistic identity. However, the new government led by Conrad Sangma has the opportunity to address the issues faced by the people and to chart a new path for the state’s development.
The swearing-in ceremony is also an opportunity for the NPP to showcase its strength and vision for the Northeastern region. With the 2019 Lok Sabha elections just around the corner, the party will be looking to build on its success in Meghalaya and expand its footprint in the region.
In conclusion, the swearing-in ceremony of Conrad Sangma as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya marks a significant moment in the state’s history. The new government faces significant challenges but also has the opportunity to address the issues faced by the people and chart a new path for the state’s development. The ceremony is also an opportunity for the NPP to showcase its strength and vision for the Northeastern region.