Ymbon resigns as cabinet minister

SHILLONG, DEC 4: Congress leader Coming One Ymbon today quit the Mukul Sangma-led Cabinet just four days ahead of the winter session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly to be held from December 8.

In his letter submitted to the chief minister Mukul Sangma, Ymbon said, “I hereby tender my resignation as minister in-charge of power general administration department (GAD) and community & rural development (C&RD) from today.”

Not disclosing much on the reason behind his sudden decision, the minister only cited that it was on “personal ground”. This came after four months of him being elevated to the post of a cabinet minister.

Ymbon, a two-time sitting legislator of Raliang constituency, in West Jaintia Hills District, sworn in along with Umsning MLA Celestine Lyngdoh as ministers of the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA-II) government on August 4.

This was after two former ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar were dropped by Sangma on August 3.

Soon after he submitted his resignation letter, Ymbon immediately left for his home constituency. Attempts were also made to contact him but he was not available on his phone.

However, sources closed to the former minister revealed that Ymbon was not happy with the style of functioning of the chief minister Mukul Sangma.

According to the source, the minister was never informed about a meeting convened recently by the chief minister with the officials of the power department.

Meanwhile, Ymbon is another sitting legislator of the ruling Congress who is likely to leave the party ahead of the upcoming 2018 Assembly poll.

Sources informed that the MLA of Raliang constituency would soon take a call of not contesting from a Congress ticket likely after the Assembly’s winter session and may join the National People’s Party (NPP).

Earlier, five rebel legislators of the Congress had already announced their decision not to contest from the party in the upcoming state elections.

Of these, four which include former deputy chief minister Rowel Lyngdoh, former ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar and Umroi MLA Ngaitlang Dhar are all set to join the National People’s Party (NPP).

Suspended Congress MLA/MDC and chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), PN Syiem, on the other hand will be leading the newly floated People’s Democratic Front (PDF).

By Our Reporter