No demand for new LO, Opp chief whip, says Speaker

SHILLONG, July 25: Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has said that none of the three opposition parties — VPP, Congress and TMC — have sent any representation to him requesting him to change the Leader of Opposition and the Opposition Chief Whip in the Assembly.
“I can call a meeting but it will not be necessary unless they are interested. None of the opposition parties have come forward,” Sangma told The Shillong Times.
Asked if his statement means that no change will be effected in the Assembly, the Speaker said things will continue as it is if there is no demand.
Earlier, Sangma had announced that he will convene a meeting with representatives of all political parties and with the elected legislators to finalise the names of the Leader of Opposition and the Opposition Chief Whip.
As of now, Congress MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh holds the post of leader of Opposition. The strength of the Congress in the Assembly has reduced to four after Saleng A Sangma resigned as an MLA following his election to the Lok Sabha. The TMC has five MLAs while the VPP has four.