Paul Lyngdoh returns as minister as Metbah Lyngdoh quits cabinet
The United Democratic Party was reduced to a one-man outfit after 11 of its 12 legislators left the party.
Paul Lyngdoh was sworn in as a cabinet minister by Governor CH Vijayashankar at Lok Bhavan on Monday evening, according to the Hindustan Times. Representing the National People’s Party (NPP), the West Shillong legislator has been assigned the tourism portfolio.
The induction follows the resignation of United Democratic Party (UDP) president Metbah Lyngdoh from the cabinet on October 31. Metbah, who previously managed the taxation, textiles, water resources, and power portfolios, resigned after 11 of the party's 12 legislators left the UDP.
The speaker recognised the merger of eight legislators with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on October 16, and three others with the NPP on October 23. This left Metbah as the sole legislator for the UDP.
Metbah stated he could no longer serve as a minister in the MDA government because he was the only remaining party legislator. He said his resignation was not made under pressure and noted that the party's Central Executive Committee would decide on future steps.
Paul Lyngdoh said he did not request a specific portfolio but accepted the tourism role because the chief minister wanted continuity in the department. He said his priority is to review tourism projects and consult stakeholders.
The UDP will discuss its position regarding the MDA government at a party meeting on November 3.