By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 15: Trinamool Congress Parliamentary Party chief, Mukul Sangma on Friday slammed the ruling dispensation for allegedly attempting to avoid discussions on critical issues in the Assembly.
“They want to have an escape route, (but) for whose interest? In a democracy, our intent and objectives should be directed towards ensuring that justice is done to the people. Here are many issues and many things to be discussed in the House,” Sangma said, expressing his displeasure that a short duration was scheduled for debate during the autumn session of the Assembly.
“Let us see how the party in power looks at the responsibility of providing that space in the House, particularly to the Opposition, to address the concerns of people,” he said.
Pointing out that there are too many issues to be taken up, he said, “When you look at the supplementary demands, there are so many of them. Many questions have been put up by the Opposition members as well as the treasury bench. Now, how many of these issues raised in the form of questions and discussions can be taken up keeping in mind the limited time available.”
Stating that whatever is considered important and needs to be prioritised has been already put up and that they would like to see government’s response, Sangma said there are issues concerning law and order, negotiations for settlement with HNLC, concerns of people for a better life and how things are being handled.
The former Chief Minister said there are department-wise issues which indicate mismanagement and irregularities.
On the observation of Deputy Chief Minister and Minister in-charge of Parliamentary Affairs, Prestone Tynsong that the Opposition camp seems to have no coordination, the TMC stalwart said, “We should put the question back to the Deputy CM in charge of parliamentary affairs…dignity, decorum and quality of debate have always been matters of pride. So, if the government is saying such a thing, then we expect them to call for a meeting. They cannot just drop their idea.”
He said the productivity and effectiveness of deliberations in the House are paramount. He added that the extent to which the party in power allows space for the Opposition significantly shapes the perception of our democracy among the masses and this perception of vibrancy and strength in democracy is crucial for its sustainability.
Stating that people should have faith in our democracy and that will be determined how the parties in power and Opposition come together and address the concerns of the masses, Sangma said it is important whether the party in power providing that space is receptive to the idea of deliberating on crucial issues confronting the people of the state.
Pointing out that there are many newly-elected members in the House, he said, “There is a need to have a floor management which should be preceded by the discussions of the ruling and Opposition”.
“We intend to give more time and space to our newly-elected friends. I think it is good to give them enough space to condition themselves as the onus of responding to the call of duty as a politician is enormous,” he added.