SHILLONG, Sept 10: The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly released a book on Thursday documenting the political career, speeches and legacy of former Chief Minister B B Lyngdoh, who served as the state’s chief minister on four occasions.
Titled B B Lyngdoh – A Tribute to the Visionary Leader and Former Chief Minister of Meghalaya Whose Ideals Continue to Inspire Generations, the book was authored by Andrew Simons, former Commissioner and Secretary of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and currently Adviser (Legislation).
Speaker Thomas A Sangma, who released the book, said Lyngdoh’s political career was closely linked with Meghalaya’s political awakening, democratic evolution and formative years. He described him as a visionary leader, parliamentarian and institution-builder who viewed politics as a means of protecting the dignity, identity, rights and future of the people.
Sangma referred to Lyngdoh as the “father of coalition politics”, citing his ability to bring together different political parties and provide stable governments during a period of political uncertainty, before the introduction of the anti-defection law.
He highlighted Lyngdoh’s focus on issues affecting ordinary people, including land, livelihoods, connectivity, development and social harmony. He also pointed to Lyngdoh’s advocacy for systematic land records through cadastral surveys, contribution to the establishment of NEIGRIHMS and introduction of the MLA Scheme.
Sangma said the compilation of Lyngdoh’s speeches would help readers understand his political approach and vision, particularly his emphasis on listening to people’s concerns and incorporating them into governance.
He said the Assembly would continue documenting the contributions of Meghalaya’s former leaders. He recalled the publication of a book on former chief minister Captain Williamson A Sangma last year and said similar publications could be undertaken for other prominent leaders, subject to the availability of archival material.
Simons said the book sought to preserve an important part of Meghalaya’s political history for future generations. He described Lyngdoh as a prominent leader of the statehood movement, an active legislator and an innovative parliamentarian, particularly highlighting his introduction of the MLA Scheme and his handling of coalition governments.
According to Simons, the book took around three years to complete and involved compiling and editing Lyngdoh’s speeches delivered between 1970 and 2003, including those from the period of the Provisional State Government.
Simons also recalled Lyngdoh’s firm and independent-minded approach to politics, along with his humility and simple lifestyle. He said the publication could help younger generations understand Meghalaya’s political evolution and the development of its democratic institutions, while serving as a reference for researchers and scholars. Copies are expected to be made available in libraries and distributed to selected colleges.
Lyngdoh’s daughter, Syrpailin Khonglah, recalled her father’s vision of a developed and economically strong Meghalaya. She said his guiding motto was “Health, Wealth and Education” and that he viewed road connectivity as essential to improving access to healthcare, education and economic opportunities.
Khonglah said road sanctions were among his priorities as Finance Minister and recalled that in 1980, Lyngdoh had proposed establishing a health institute of national importance for the Northeast on the lines of AIIMS.
She further said Lyngdoh became the first chief minister in the country to introduce the MLA Scheme in 1990.
The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Whip Ronnie V Lyngdoh, MIDC Chairman and Sohra MLA Gavin Miguel Mylliem, former MLAs Martle N Mukhim and Titostarwell Chyne, former Chief Secretary WMS Pariat, former bureaucrat Rudy Warjri, Padma Shri Patricia Mukhim, Meghalaya State Commission for Women chairperson Iamonlang Syiem, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Secretary Malthus S Sangma, members of Lyngdoh’s family and others.
