SHILLONG, March 11 NNN: Congress Legislator from Phulbari in Meghalaya, Abu Taher Mondal made a history of becoming the first non-indigenous legislator to be elevated to the highest post as he was elected Speaker to the ninth Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Monday.
This happened in spite of the staunch opposition from tribal organisations from Khasi and Garo communities. Mondal who is also former power minister of the state was elected unopposed after the nomination paper of HSPDP legislator from Nongkrem, Ardent Basaiawmoit was rejected on ground since his party colleague from Mawshynrut, Witting Mawsor came in late to second his name on the filing day.
Recently, there was stiff opposition from some quarter against the decision to appoint Mondal as Speaker citing that he is a non-tribal. Pledging to represent the state, Mondal said, “Though by name and my looks are not tribal but I will represent the state as a Speaker and whatever I speak it will be for the people,” adding “Being in this house, we can contribute a lot for the growth and development including economic upliftment of the poor in the state.”
Promise to rise in all occasion, he said, “I assure that none of my action will put down the faith that has been repose in me,” adding “It will be my endeavour to look into the interest of all the members irrespective of their position.” Earlier, all most all the legislators including oppositions stood up to congratulate and expressed full confident in the stewardship of Mondal during the felicitation to the newly elected Speaker. “People of the state will celebrate the vibrant nature of democracy as it created space for all sections,” Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma said as he congratulates Mondal for being the first non-tribal Speaker in the state.
Assuring full support and cooperation, he said, “We have full faith in your capability where you will uphold the tradition, dignity and decorum of this house and that you will provide space for all to reflect the aspiration of the people.”
Stating that Meghalaya Assembly is known for high order of debates besides dignity, decorum and discipline, senior Congress leaders, DD Lapang and Salseng C Marak asked the newly elected Speaker to maintain this reputation of the house in the highest manner and ensure justice and impartiality is delivered.
Speakers during the felicitation also appealed to Mondal to look into issues relating to the new building of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and MLAs pension scheme and facilities besides maintaining neutrality while conducting the house.
“We hope that you will be able to finalize the site for the construction of the new Assembly building which is long overdue during your tenure,” UDP chief, Donkupar Roy said while requesting the Speaker to ensure that revise the MLA facilities by ensuring all elected representative are allotted with new vehicles which is a long pending demand.
His party working president, Paul Lyngdoh however said, “Today you have removed your jersey of being a party player by dawning the uniform of being a referee who is above party politics,” adding, “We look forward that you will rise above ethnicity, party politics and partisan.”
Stating that house has two football teams and the difference is that the treasury has more players than the opposition, Lyngdoh however urged the Speaker to be neutral and not to take the opposition as wrong side but as his left side.
Participating in the felicitation, NPP legislator, James Sangma while congratulating the Speaker said, “As a custodian we expect you to deliver your duty as a presiding officer with utmost dedication and sincerity.” Stating that Mondal is one of the ministers who has always show respect to the opposition, James however requested the Speaker that ample time should be given for debate in the house.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/abu-taher-mondal-as-meghalaya-speaker/
