By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 17: A toned-down demeanour and near-diplomatic approach marked the activities of the five suspended Congress MLAs during the 10-day budget session which ended on Thursday.
It was in sharp contrast to their previous stints in the Assembly as opposition members when aggressive vocal attacks against the treasury bench and heated debates were the order of the day.
Mawlai MLA, PT Sawkmie was one of the most vocal and active MLAs, always making sure to participate in almost each and every issue discussed in the House. However, a different version of Sawkmie was on display since the beginning of the session on March 4. Observers noticed the MLAs struggling to restrain himself while raising issues on the floor of the House.
Same was the case with East Shillong MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh and Nongpoh legislator, Mayralborn Syiem who were far from their vocal self.
It may be recalled that both the legislators were always vocal over the anti-people policies of the NPP-led MDA Government and allegations of illegalities being raise against the ruling side.
West Shillong MLA, Mohendro Rapsang was his normal self, participating in only select issues as he had done during the previous sessions. Rambrai-Jyrngam MLA, Kimfa S Marbaniang had nothing to contribute during the session and did not attend the session.
Sitting with the ruling side, the suspended Congress MLAs did raise some pertinent issues afflicting the state. Ampareen spoke on the ongoing border talks between Assam and Meghalaya and the proposed peace talks with the HNLC. On some occasions, she rose to speak in defence of the ruling side whenever the Opposition AITC attempted to corner the government on some issue.
Mayralborn spoke on issues pertaining to scientific coal mining in the state, among others. Sawkmie, the former Opposition Chief Whip, highlighted issues like implementation of ILP, ISBT and some matters concerning his constituency of Mawlai.
Rapsang raised concern about the omnipresent traffic jams in the city and inclusion of Khasi-Garo languages in the Eighth Schedule, among others.