The M. P.-elect from Meghalaya, Mr Jerlie Tariang is expected to take oath on April 23 when the Rajya Sabha begins a fortnight-long session.
Mr Tariang, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha last week by 38 to 19 votes (two votes were rejected and one absent), is a veteran political leader of Meghalaya. He is presently the working President of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress (I) Committee.
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Although the APHLC- HSPDP backed candidate, Mr B.B. Lyngdoh was defeated, there has not been much regrets about the result. The general feeling of the people is that a capable person has been entrusted with the responsibilty to represent the State at the national forum. Mr Tariang who is known to be a dynamic person having wide contacts in the corridors of power in Delhi. has promised to try and bridge the gap between Delhi and Shillong.
An interesting aspect of the election result is the cross-voting by two Opposition members of the Assembly. This has given rise to speculation in the political circles about the motive of the two MLAs. Are they prospective deserters? Or did they merely cast conscious vote? Reports have it that at least one member from Jaintia Hills cross voted to serve as a notice to all concerned about his dissatisfaction with the leadership of the Opposition. Another Member is said to be a close-associate of Mr Tariang.
Moreover, the rejected ballot papers reveal that there were marks against both the name. It is too much to believe that the elected representatives are ignorant of the system of voting, it is likely that the two voters adopted this means to give vent to their dissatisfaction.