Shillong: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has appealed to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to step aside in favour of a Khasi-Jaintia leader, describing such a move as a statesman-like gesture that could redefine his political legacy.
In an open letter, HITO president Donbok Dkhar said the demand for rotational leadership draws inspiration from the late Purno Agitok Sangma, who in 1988 had entered into a 50:50 power-sharing arrangement with former chief minister Brington Buhai Lyngdoh.
That historic decision, he said, reshaped Meghalaya’s political landscape and became a model of fairness.
Dkhar pointed out that at present, all four of the state’s top constitutional posts — Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, Speaker and Deputy Speaker — are occupied by leaders from the Garo community.
“This clearly reflects their strength and influence,” he wrote, “but it also highlights the need to provide space for the Khasi-Jaintia region.”
He argued that just as eight ministers recently gave up their berths in a cabinet reshuffle to make way for others, the principle of rotational responsibility should also extend to the chief minister’s chair.
According to him, none of the outgoing ministers was removed for incompetence or misconduct, but simply to accommodate the spirit of inclusivity.
Referring to the recent reshuffle, which left Meghalaya’s cabinet without a single woman minister following the exit of Ampareen Lyngdoh, the HITO president said this absence was ironic in a matrilineal society.
“If fairness is to be practised in its entirety, it should also apply to leadership at the highest level,” he added.
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Dkhar further reminded the Chief Minister of his own repeated emphasis on “balance, inclusivity and fairness.”
He noted that Sangma has seasoned colleagues such as Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar, and UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh — all of whom, he said, carry the legitimacy and experience to lead.
“Relinquishing the chair in their favour would not only affirm your professed commitment to fairness but also mirror the statesmanship of your late father,” Dkhar stated, adding that such a decision would be remembered as a defining moment in Conrad Sangma’s career.
