SHILLONG: The decision of the National People’s Party to table a resolution for the removal of Assembly Speaker AT Mondal is aimed at toppling the Congress-led MUA-II government when the matter is taken up during the winter session that will commence from December 8.
A source in the Assembly said on Saturday if the Speaker is removed, the government automatically falls since the ruling side loses majority.
In this context, another no-confidence motion against the government may not be required since the vote against the Speaker will be the verdict against the government.
NPP legislator James Sangma said he is making efforts to have everyone on board for the success of the no-trust motion. Sangma had already served the resolution on November 21.
“The no-confidence motion is not an individual thing and it has to be brought collectively,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Meghalaya People’s Front (MPF) comprising NPP and UDP will meet to discuss the matter.
UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh said the matter will be discussed in the parliamentary party meeting of MPF in the next two-three days.
Earlier, UDP president Donkupar Roy had said the party was not in favour of the idea as time was too short. However, other legislators, including Jemino Mawthoh, are likely to support the no-trust.
The NPP is trying to rope in rebels in the ruling Congress and independents to ensure the removal of the government.
Congress legislators PN Syiem, Prestone Tynsong, Rowell Lyngdoh, Sniawbhalang Dhar and Ngaitlang Dhar are set to leave the party. They were not available on Saturday for comments on their action plan during the session.
If the no confidence motion is moved, it would be interesting to see whether Congress MLAs who have already decided to resign from the party to contest on NPP ticket support the motion.
The chairman of the media cell of HSPDP, Londoner M. Sohtun, said the party as of now has not decided anything on the matter.
HSPDP has four MLAs in the Opposition. “We will have a meeting on the matter,” he said.
Echoing similar views, Independent MLA from Khliehriat, Justine Dkhar, said he has no information about the no-confidence motion which is being planned.
“Once the information comes to me, I will take a decision,” he said.
Another independent MLA from South Tura, John Leslee K. Sangma said other members of the Opposition have not communicated anything to him. “We have only read about it in the newspapers and we have not decided on the matter as of now,” he said.
