Opp unhappy with Mondal, files no-trust motion

SHILLONG: The Opposition on Tuesday filed a no-confidence motion against the Assembly Speaker AT Mondal for not allotting sufficient time to it to discuss important issues during the Budget session.
After the Question Hour, James Sangma(NPP) wanted to know from the Speaker the status of the no-confidence motion tabled by him.
The NPP legislator said he had submitted a letter to the Assembly Secretary on Tuesday morning regarding the no-confidence motion, but the Speaker said he had not received the same.
“As the rule requires that the notice related to the no confidence motion should be submitted 14 days in advance, a letter in this regard was submitted to the Secretary of the Assembly on Tuesday morning,” Sangma said.
The Speaker said he would try to check with Assembly officials and inform the mover of the motion regarding the matter in the evening.
The letter relating to the no- confidence motion submitted jointly by James Sangma, Witting Mawsor(HSPDP), John Leslee Sangma (Independent),and Jemino Mawthoh (UDP) expresses their lack of confidence on the Speaker of the House vis-a-vis  Article 179 (c) of the Constitution of India and rule 135 of the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Meghalaya legislative Assembly.
Rule 135 of the Assembly speaks about the resolution and no-confidence motion for removal of Speaker and Deputy Speaker under article 179 of the constitution.
Later speaking to reporters, James said that though there are so many pressing issues to be taken up in the session, the Speaker has not given sufficient time to discuss these issues.
Asked why the matter was not raised in the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, James said that the Opposition was in minority in BAC, and hence could not demand more days in session.
According to Sangma, more time should have been given for the important Budget session as the duration of the session was reduced to just 13 working days.  Only four working days were allotted for the private members bills.
He also said that many important questions put forward by the Opposition members to be taken up during Question Hour were phased out in an organized manner.