Metbah Lyngdoh elected as new Meghalaya Speaker

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 13, 2019

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) leader and three-time legislator from Mairang constituency, Metbah Lyngdoh on Friday was elected as the new Speaker of the tenth Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. 

The election conducted by the deputy speaker Timothy D Shira here on the concluding day of the Assembly’s six-day autumn session, was necessitated after the death of former Assembly Speaker late Dr Donkupar Roy on July 28. 

A total of 58 members casted their votes during the election conducted through secret ballot. 

Lyngdoh, a former minister was elected to the top post of the Assembly after defeating opposition Congress candidate Winnerson D Sangma by a margin of 20 votes. Lyngdoh got 39 votes while Winnerson secured only 19 votes.

After announcing the result, Shira declared Lyngdoh as the new Speaker of the tenth Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. 

Lyngdoh was escorted by the chief minister Conrad K Sangma and leader of opposition Mukul Sangma to the chair. 

Congtratulating the newly elected speaker at the felicitation ceremony, Conrad said by Lyngdoh occupying the highest chair in the Assembly is a befitting tribute to late Dr Donkupar. 

“With your experience and personality no doubt you are most deserving for the post and I know you will ensure this House becomes more productive,” he said. 

The chief minister also thanked all the members of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government and said, “It is a good message (that is being sent across).” 

Mukul on the other hand termed Lyngdoh as a “minister without controversy” and on his being elevated to the top post said, “We (opposition) are fortunate to own you as a Speaker as you are no longer monopoly of the MDA.”

“You are well conditioned to be where you are now and I have no doubt that you will also set the highest benchmark as you discharge your responsibilities,” he said. 

Joining hands with the chief minister and leader of opposition in felicitating Lyngdoh, deputy speaker Timothy D Shira expressed full cooperation and said, “I am proud that one of the most capable leaders has been elected as Speaker.” 

Nongthymmai MLA and former Assembly Speaker Charles Pyngrope while reminding that a Speaker can be a party man but he cannot be partisan said, “I am confident with your ability, our House be enriched and its dignity and decorum will be upheld.”