SHILLONG: The Assembly on Tuesday wore almost a deserted look with the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma cabinet ministers, Deborah Marak and Zenith Sangma and others including the Chairman of State Planning Board, SC Marak remaining absent due to the visit of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Resubelpara, North Garo Hills.
In fact, this is the second time during the ongoing budget session that the Chief Minister remained absent as earlier on March 10, he had camped in Delhi in connection with ticket allotment for Shillong seat.
In the absence of the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister Prof RC Laloo replied to questions and a resolution on Garoland moved by the Opposition.
Another Deputy Chief Minister Rowell Lyngdoh was also absent in the House.
The Opposition member Paul Lyngdoh (UDP) also remained absent during the session on Tuesday since he had to file his nomination papers. In his absence, many important questions on quality of water, condition of roads in city, use of red beacons, status of peace pact with ANVC and misappropriation of Rs 1 crore under Meghalaya Non- Conventional and Rural Energy Development Agency, lapsed.
