SHILLONG: Slamming the Opposition for disrupting the proceedings of the House, Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma on Friday said that the uproar was nothing but a ‘political gimmick’.
“The Opposition does not know how to strategize. They should not have come up with the resolution and questions if they were serious about bringing the adjournment motion,” the Chief Minister said here on Friday.
Dr. Sangma minced no words when he said that there is no seriousness amongst the Opposition members whose ‘main intention is to play to the gallery’.
The Chief Minister, however, said the government was ready to discuss the ILP issue as and when it is brought up in the House.
“If need be we can even extend the sitting hours of the House,” Dr. Sangma said.
Meanwhile, refuting allegation by the Opposition that the Speaker was acting at the behest of the government, Assembly Speaker Abu Taher Mondal said he was being guided by the books and precedents while presiding over the House.
“An adjournment motion can be admitted if no member has brought up a specific matter in any other form,” Mondal said, while asserting that he has been maintaining neutrality as the presiding officer.
He informed that a resolution on the ILP has been accepted and the House will have to vote on it.
Replying to a query, the Speaker said there is a provision for members to storm into the well of the House. Ruling out any action against the Opposition members, he appealed to all the legislators to maintain the decorum of the House.