In a repeat, No-trust motion against Mondal withdrawn
SHILLONG: The Opposition, in a repeat act, withdrew its resolution seeking removal of Assembly Speaker AT Mondal on Friday without any discussion, a day after the no-confidence motion against the MUA-II government was withdrawn following a six-hour debate.
The resolution was listed as the last item of the day’s business on Friday and was withdrawn even before it was moved.
Before taking up the matter, the Speaker announced in the Assembly that the Opposition NPP legislator, James Sangma, had sent a letter on Friday expressing the desire to withdraw the resolution. Mondal hence officially accepted the withdrawal of the resolution against him.
Later speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said since various issues were discussed during the non-confidence motion against the government, the Opposition may have taken the decision not to move the resolution. The Speaker also echoed the same.
The Opposition had moved the resolution seeking removal of the Speaker primarily due to the short session of the Assembly. This is the second time Mondal has survived a no-confidence motion against him. On March 25, 2015, the Speaker survived the no-confidence motion brought by the Opposition by voice vote. The reason was the short duration of the session. The drama that unfolded then included the resignation of Sanbor Shullai as the Deputy Speaker.