Raju Das
SHILLONG, April 20 – Mukul M Sangma today became the 11th Chief Minister of Meghalaya and one of those rare politicians to assume office on a birthday.
Sangma cut his 45th birthday cake this morning, however, Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary administering him the oath of office and secrecy in the afternoon at the Raj Bhavan, was the perfect icing.
Besides Sangma, Bindo M Lanong and JA Lyngdoh from the United Democratic Party and Abu Taher Mondol, an Independent who associated with the Congress, were also accorded Cabinet rank. Eight of Sangma’s other Cabinet colleagues would be inducted later.
Soon after the swearing in ceremony, Sangma read out from a prepared speech sprinkled with philosophy and quotes. “Change is the only thing constant in this world,” he said about his new assignment.
His government’s focus would be on youth and society’s poor and infirm. “My government would give special focus on youth to realise their potential and also uplift the condition of the poor and infirm,” Sangma said.
Sharing concern on Meghalaya’s cloak and dagger politics, which saw 25 governments in 39 years, Sangma said, lessons must be “learnt from past mistakes” and use those experiences to build on the future with “sacrifice, unity and responsibility.”
On his mentor and once close confidante, DD Lapang, Sangma without any emotions said, he is a “fatherly figure” and his advice and experience would be used appropriately.
With the new responsibility, Sangma becomes the fourth politician from Garo Hills to assume Meghalaya’s office of Chief Minister. Before him, Capt William A Sangma, PA Sangma and SC Marak from Garo Hills were Chief Minsters.
Prior to his joining State politics in 1993, Sangma was a medical practitioner and posted as medical and health officer at Tura. He contested the Assembly election and won from Ampatigiri constituency in West Garo Hills as an Independent candidate in that year.
He first bagged a Cabinet berth in 1998 and held various departments thereafter. In 2005, Sangma was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister, in-charge Home and Education departments. But, he had to resign the same year following widespread anger over the death of nine people in the Garo Hills police firing.
Mukul Sangma sworn in Meghalaya CM
