SHILLONG: The issue as to who is authorised to answer the question on behalf of the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma cropped up during the question hour in the Assembly on Monday.
Conrad was to answer a question on inter-state border dispute posed by Congress MLA George Lyngdoh but since he was away in Guwahati, he had authorised Home Minister James Sangma to answer on his behalf.
On seeing that James was also not present, Deputy Speaker Timothy Shira asked Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to reply.
However, Congress MLA Zenith Sangma wanted to know whether Tynsong was authorised to reply or not.
Shira said, “As a deputy chief minister, he can reply,” and the House roared with laughter.
Tynsong then said that he received a letter that James was unwell.
Zenith again asked whether Tynsong is authorised but Shira said instead of leaving it blank, let the deputy chief minister reply.
Zenith said that without being authorised, Tynsong cannot reply and the home minister should have been present.
To this, Tynsong said, “It is a small issue and we cannot waste time on this.” He added that the letter to authorise him to speak was submitted to the deputy speaker.
Shira then said, “If the House agrees, deputy chief minister will reply. Please reply.”
