Shillong, 27 October (H.S.): The Brington Buhai Lyngdoh Memorial Hall was inaugurated by Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma at Laitlyngkot, the birthplace of the former chief minister, on Tuesday, marking the 23rd death anniversary of the veteran leader, widely known as the Father of Coalition Politics in Meghalaya.

The inauguration paid tribute to Lyngdoh's contributions to Meghalaya's political development, including the movement for statehood, the strengthening of democratic institutions and the formation of coalition governments.

The memorial hall is expected to preserve his legacy and familiarise younger generations with the life, political vision and public service of one of Meghalaya's prominent political leaders.

Lyngdoh, who

died on October 27, 2003, at the age of 81, served as chief minister on four

occasions between 1979 and 2000. He played a significant role in the political

movement that led to Meghalaya attaining full statehood in 1972 and remained an

influential figure in the state’s political affairs for decades.

His ability to

bring together different political parties and lead coalition governments

earned him the distinction of being the Father of Coalition Politics. His

political career spanned a formative period in Meghalaya’s history, when

regional identity, indigenous rights and the creation of stable political

institutions were central to public life.

Beyond his role

as chief minister, Lyngdoh contributed to governance and development

initiatives. He advocated systematic land records through cadastral surveys,

supported the establishment of the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional

Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) and introduced the MLA

Scheme, which provided legislators with funds for local development works.

His approach to

public service also emphasised land, livelihoods, connectivity, education and

social harmony. These priorities reflected his broader vision of development

rooted in the needs and aspirations of Meghalaya’s people.

The

inauguration of the memorial hall at his native village serves as a tribute to

a leader whose political contributions extended beyond his tenure in office. It

also provides an opportunity to reflect on Meghalaya’s political history and

the role played by its early leaders in shaping the state’s institutions and

governance.

The occasion

was marked by renewed calls to preserve Lyngdoh’s legacy and ensure that his

contributions to Meghalaya’s statehood movement, democratic development and

coalition politics remain part of the collective memory of future generations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhijit Deb