SHILLONG, SEP 9: The Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has opted to stay out of the race for the Deputy Speaker’s post, paving the way for an uncontested election. Leader of Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma on Tuesday said, “I just had a discussion with our friends in the opposition, including the President of the Voice of People Party, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit. The discussion ultimately culminated in unanimity to say that we will not put forth our candidate. Let there be an uncontested election of the Deputy Speaker.”
He added, “It is also beneficial. We are communicating the same to the Speaker that, in the spirit of our robust parliamentary system, such honest practices—though not always possible—have been observed earlier as well. Deputy Speaker elections were uncontested in the past.”
Addressing speculation over a possible no-confidence motion against the government, Dr. Sangma clarified, “Issues can be flagged by taking advantage of the different rules provided under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business and other constitutional provisions. When we feel that certain measures need to be taken, we will inform you. For this session, not.”
