Meghalaya Speaker admits resolution against him

The resolution was moved by opposition NPP legislator James K Sangma who accused Mondal of curtailing the vibrancy of the legislature.

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Shillong: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal on Friday admitted a resolution seeking his removal and posted the matter for discussion on September 16, the last day of the session.

The resolution was moved by opposition National People's Party legislator James K Sangma who accused Mondal of curtailing the vibrancy of the legislature and delaying construction of the Assembly building.

Sangma moved the resolution under Clause(c) of Article 179 of the Constitution and Rule 135 of the Rules and Procedure of Business in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on the first day of the autumn session.

"Whereas, Speaker A T Mondal has failed to carry out his duties and responsibilities as a Speaker. Now therefore, this House expresses its want of confidence in him and hereby resolves to remove him from the office of the Speaker," the resolution said.

The Speaker allowed the motion after 12 opposition MLAs stood up in support of the resolution. He had survived a similar move by the Opposition in March.

Sangma said the resolution was moved in view of the short duration of session despite repeated requests. "By doing this, the Speaker is curtailing the vibrancy of the legislature. He is not allowing the legislature to function properly and effectively which is why we feel it is high time we give a strong message in the form of this resolution seeking his removal."

There are many other issues and the one on construction of Meghalaya assembly building has been pending for the past 12 years. "It is very unfortunate and very shameful that we as people of Meghalaya, specially we as legislators, as law makers and members of this august house don't have an assembly building even till date," he said.

Mondal announced that the letter received from Chief Minister Mukul Sangma informing about the resignation of Congress MLA W D Sangma from the post of Parliamentary Secretary was accepted.

Meanwhile, the Speaker also nominated four MLAs--Dikkanchi D Shira, W D Sangma, Titosstarwell Chyne and Witting Mawsor-- to the panel of chairmen.