SHILLONG April 19 - Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is all set to break Captain William Sangma�s record of holding the Chief Minister�s chair continuously for the longest period of time in the State.
On Wednesday, Mukul Sangma would be completing six years in office or 2,190 days. Coincidentally, April 20 is his birthday.
Captain William Sangma, the first Chief Minister of the State, held the CM�s post continuously from January 21, 1972 to March 3, 1978 � for a total of 2,205 days.
Sangma took over office as the Chief Minister on April 20, 2010 on his 45th birthday. He was re-elected as the Chief Minister in 20013. By that calculation, Mukul Sangma would break Captain Sangma�s record on May 6 or 15 days later from Wednesday.
There has been 18 CMs before him in a span of 44 years (Meghalaya attained Statehood in 1972), which means that on an average every 2.5 years there was a new Chief Minister!
On two occasions there was President�s Rule imposed and for sometimes an Independent Candidate, FA Khonglam became the Chief Minister (2001 to 2003.)
During the past six years, Mukul Sangma did have his share of rebellion and infighting within the Congress party he represents. He, however, managed to keep the rebels at bay.
Meanwhile, Captain Sangma would still be holding the record as the longest serving as he was re-elected in May 81 to February 1983. For some days, BB Lyngdoh took over as the Chief Minister. Then again he assumed office in April 1983 and completed the full term.
So in total, Captain Sangma held the CM�s post for a total of 5,199 days. DD Lapang held the Chief Minister�s post for 2,328 days, BB Lyngdoh 2,055 days and SC Marak held the post for 1,848 days.
