By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: 46-year-old Abu Taher Mondal, the engineer turned legislator, who was elected as the new Speaker, assured that he would represent the aspirations of the indigenous people of the State in various platforms outside the State, while allaying the fears of the NGOs and the HSPDP.
NGOs including the KSU and the FKJGP and the political party HSPDP had protested against appointment of Mondal as the Speaker by saying that they wanted an indigenous legislator to be elected to the post.
“When I represent the State, I represent the people of the State, irrespective of caste and creed. My look and name will not be written whereas my words will be written while I speak in various platforms,” Mondal said.
He also assured that none of his actions will fail while representing the State and its people.
“I want to convey to my tribal brothers and sisters that that I am also representing a large number of tribal voters in my constituency,” Mondal added.
Defending the appointment of Mondal as the Speaker, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma told reporters that the speeches of the legislators in the House during the felicitation indicated that he is acceptable to all.
“This will send a positive message to the people of the State,” he added.
According to the Chief Minister, the UDP leader Donkupar Roy was taken into confidence while deciding the name of the Speaker and the decision was arrived at after consultations.
Meanwhile, despite the opposition by the HSPDP and some NGOs, Mondal’s appointment as Speaker sparked celebrations in his home constituency of Phulbari.
Interestingly, out of the 22000 voters in the constituency, around 9000 voters belong to the indigenous communities.
Residents of Phulbari are overjoyed over Mondal’s elevation as the Speaker. “AT Mondal had earlier brought distinction by being the first non-tribal minister and now he has done even better by becoming the first non tribal Speaker of the House,” residents said.
However, Garo Students’ Union (GSU) president TG Momin was of the opinion that a tribal should have been the Speaker.
Former Speaker Bindo M Lanong (UDP) said that as a former Speaker he expects every Speaker to conduct the House in accordance with the rules laid down for business of the House.
Independent legislator from Garo Hills, Saleng A Sangma, said, “I hope he will act as a Speaker and not as a party man.”
Meanwhile, social activist Toki Blah expressed shock at the controversy over the appointment of the Speaker.
“I don’t understand why this issue has come up as he is an elected representative and the party has given him the position because it felt so,” he added.
He was, however, of the view that a Speaker should remain neutral in the Assembly.