Speaker rejects NC moved by opp Congress

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 19, 2019

SHILLONG: Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh on Thursday rejected the No-confidence motion moved by the opposition Congress against the National People’s Party-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government for failing in all fronts. 

The no-trust motion was moved by Mawsynram MLA HM Shangpliang during the special session of the Assembly to table and pass a government resolution to implement the inner line permit (ILP) in Meghalaya. 

“This House now expressed its want of confidence on the Council of Ministers led by Conrad K Sangma for its failure in all fronts particularly failure in protecting the interest of the people of the state, financial mismanagement resulting in dislocation of developmental programmes and rampant corruption at all levels,” the NC stated. 

Quoting the rules, Lyngdoh said that as per rule, the motion will be taken up on such day not being more than 10 days and not less than 24 hours from time at which leave is asked. He however said but discussion cannot be granted since it is only a one day special session.  

“Therefore, taking the rules into consideration, I will not admit this No-confidence motion,” Lyngdoh said in his ruling. 

Soon after this, leader of opposition Mukul Sangma requested the Speaker to reconsider his ruling by admitting the NC citing that the budget session this year was cut short due to the elections depriving members of the House from addressing the various issues confronting the state.  

Supporting the ruling of the speaker, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong termed the move of the opposition as purely political and said the intention in bringing the NC was just to bring down the state government because of the prevailing situation. 

Urging the opposition not to dilute and mix up issues, Tynsong also assured them that they will have enough time to deliberate in the budget session to be held next year. He also urged the speaker to let his ruling be final. 

BJP South Shillong legislator Sanbor Shullai also requested the speaker not to allow the NC and urged all members of the house to support the resolution for implementation of the ILP, which has been a long pending demand of the indigenous people. After hearing their submissions, the Speaker reiterated his decision not to allow the NC as per the rules.