Conrad Sangma on Tuesday took oath as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya for a second consecutive term, along with his 11 ministerial colleagues in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and others.
This time, Meghalaya will have two deputy Chief Ministers -- Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar.
While, Tynsong had served as Sangma's deputy in the previous government, Dhar is the new addition in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) 2.0 led by the National People's Party (NPP).
For a small state like Meghalaya, with just 60-elected representatives, inclusion of two deputies may evoke criticism.
Sangma however, denied this and said: "I do not think there should be any sort of criticism. In Meghalaya, there were two Deputy Chief Ministers in the preceding governments also. I rather say, inducting two Deputy Chief Ministers represents inclusiveness."
While speaking to reporters, Sangma laid down his government priorities for the next five years.
"We will continue to work in the areas on which we focussed earlier too, primarily to ensure the infrastructure growth, betterment of health and education system, social welfare etc. A lot of importance to be provided in employment opportunities to the youth of the state," he said
Unemployment was a major issue in this year's Assembly polls with the opposition Trinamool Congress and Congress attacking the NPP government on the matter.
Sangma further said that in his previous tenure much importance was given to improve the delivery system of government's projects and schemes.
"We will continue to do that and ensure that the impact of the government's various initiatives can be felt well at the grassroot level," he said.
Abu Taher Mondal, Kyrmen Shylla, Marcuise N. Marak, Rakkam A. Sangma, Alexander Laloo Hek, Ampareen Lyngdoh, Paul Lyngdoh and Comingone Ymbo also took oath as ministers.
According to Sangma, the portfolio distribution to new ministers will happen in the next 24-48 hours.
‘Pahalgam incident deeply disturbing & tragic’: Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday termed the Pahalgam terror attack as disturbing & tragic and also condoled the victims and their families.
Congress finally deletes 'Gayab' post targeting PM Modi after outrage
Under fire from the BJP over its social media post targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress finally, on Tuesday, took down the controversial post.
Guterres calls EAM Jaishankar, Pak PM Sharif; stresses pursuing justice in Pahalgam terror attack
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of pursuing justice in the Pahalgam terrorist attack while speaking with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shebaz Sharif, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.
Congress organises ‘Save Constitution’ rallies across NE states
The opposition Congress has been organising ‘Samvidhan Bachao’ (Save Constitution) campaign in the northeastern states. Claiming that the Constitution is in danger under the BJP-led Central government, the opposition Congress held a massive rally in Agartala on Tuesday.
RSS chief Bhagwat meets PM Modi after security huddle: Signs of a hard-hitting response in the works
In a significant political development, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on Tuesday evening.
What PM Modi's free hand to armed forces against terror means for cross-border action?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unambiguous message during a high-level security meeting - ‘India is determined to deliver a crushing blow to terrorism’ - marks more than just a strong statement of resolve.
Justice BR Gavai appointed as next Chief Justice of India
Justice Gavai was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court on May 29, 2019. Appointed as Additional Judge of the Bombay High Court in November 2003, he became a permanent Judge in November 2005.
Three more Bangladeshi nationals held in Tripura
The Tripura Frontier of the Border Security Force (BSF) on Tuesday apprehended three Bangladeshi nationals, including a woman, for illegally entering India, officials said.