Paul Lyngdoh Reacts to BJP Demands for more Cabinet Berths in MDA

Paul Lyngdoh on Friday maintained that Cabinet appointments were entirely the prerogative of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, declining to comment on the BJP's demand for Cabinet representation following his induction. Describing BJP leader Sanbor Shullai as a good friend with whom he had always worked together, Lyngdoh dismissed suggestions of a rift between the two leaders. He also ruled out the possibility of friction between the NPP and BJP over Cabinet accommodation, insisting that he did not see any differences emerging between the coalition partners. On Tourism Minister Timothy D Shira's remarks that the department could not function without his knowledge, Lyngdoh described him as a senior leader who had stood by Conrad Sangma through thick and thin.