Mondal admits resolution seeking his removal
SHILLONG: Assembly Speaker, AT Mondal, on Friday admitted a resolution for his removal tabled by Opposition NPP legislator James K Sangma and fixed it for disposal on September 16.
On the first day of the autumn session, Mondal read out Sangma’s letter, addressed to the secretary of the Assembly on August 30, which sought his removal under Article 179 of the Constitution and Rule 135 of the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
The resolution moved by Sangma said Mondal has failed to carry out his duties and responsibilities as Speaker, and hence the House expresses its want of confidence in him and resolves to remove him from the office of the Speaker.
The Speaker admitted the resolution after 13 legislators from the Opposition stood up extending support. As per norm, one-fifth of the House should support the resolution seeking removal of the Speaker for its admission.
Later, speaking to reporters, Mondal said it was left to the wisdom of the legislators to remove him. The Speaker said though there was a provision to reject the resolution on whimsical grounds he did not opt for it so that the legislators can air their grievances, if any.
After the unsuccessful attempt in March last year, this is the second time that the Opposition is seeking his removal.
According to Mondal, he does not foresee any ulterior motive in tabling the resolution which, according to him, has nothing to do with the failure or success of the government.
The Speaker said that he is taking the matter positively and wants to learn from the resolution brought by the Opposition.
NPP legislator Sangma, who moved the resolution, said one of the reasons for bringing the matter is due to the short duration of the session.
According to him, the Speaker has curtailed the vibrancy of the legislature since he was not allowing the legislature to function properly and effectively.
Sangma said the delay in the construction of the Assembly, pending since 2001, is another reason for bringing the resolution against the Speaker.
To a query, Sangma said it was paucity of time that prevented the Opposition from moving a no confidence motion against the Congress-led MUA-II government.