By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Opposition parties on Friday sought to know whether the Parliamentary Secretaries, who have been given the status of Minister of State, would be allowed to participate in the debate on the Governor’s Address.
The Opposition raised this issue when Dr Celestine Lyngdoh, a Parliamentary Secretary, rose on his feet to participating in the debate on the Governor’s Address on the second day of the Budget Session on Friday.
Questioning the participation of Dr Lyngdoh, James K Sangma (NPP) sought to know from the Speaker if a Parliamentary Secretary is allowed to take part in a discussion or debate in the Assembly.
In reply, Mondal said that a precedent was created in November 10, 2008, where former Assembly Speaker Bindo M Lanong had allowed Ampareen Lyngdoh who was the then Parliamentary Secretary to participate in a discussion/ debate in the House.
Paul Lyngdoh (UDP), however, asked whether it was right to refer back to a ‘wrong precedent’.
“I am of the view that a wrong precedent of the past should not be repeated,” Lyngdoh said.
In his defense, Mondal said that it was the former Assembly Speaker (Lanong) who had created this precedent.
Lyngdoh instantly reacted to the Speaker’s comments, saying, “You are not Bindo Lanong.”
As Dr Lyngdoh continued to speak, he was once again interrupted, this time by Dr Donkupar Roy (UDP), who asked Mondal if the statement of the Parliamentary Secretary can be taken as an assurance given by the Government.
In reply, Mondal said that the statement would not be recorded as the assurance given by a Minister.
Finally, Dr Lyngdoh was allowed to complete his maiden address in the House.