SHILLONG: Assembly Speaker AT Mondal has downplayed the no-trust motion against him by way of a resolution brought in by NPP legislator James Sangma.
While reminding about the two previous unsuccessful no-confidence motions, Mondal said on Sunday that explanations to the charges brought against him in the resolution will be conveyed to the House.
According to the three-point resolution, the Speaker failed to convene the House in time after the budget session was held in March this year.
Another charge against the Speaker is the undue delay in construction of the Assembly building even after the selection of site and thirdly, there is overall lack of confidence in the Speaker by the members of the House.
“I am ready to explain these issues,” the Speaker said.
Mondal also said the removal of the Speaker does not mean that the government will collapse.
The Speaker said for the admission of the resolution, 12 members should rise when the House is in session.
“I will examine the resolution based on its merit,” he said.
According to Mondal, if the Speaker is removed, the Opposition may see this as the best opportunity to move a no-confidence motion against the government claiming loss of majority.
He said when the resolution against the Speaker is taken up in the House, the chairman will preside over the House and if the Speaker is removed, he can adjourn the House as the election of new Speaker will have to be held within six months.
Sources said the Opposition may use the resolution against the Speaker to facilitate the shifting of allegiance by Congress MLAs to escape disqualification.
However, Mondal said even if the Speaker is not able to give his ruling on disqualification of MLAs once he is removed, the matter is open for judicial review.
