LO post: Speaker’s prerogative, says Congress

SHILLONG, July 28: The State Congress has maintained that it is the prerogative of the Assembly Speaker to decide whether or not to effect a change in the post of Leader of Opposition, and the decision should be left to him.
The post of Leader of Opposition is currently held by Ronnie V Lyngdoh of the Congress but the party’s strength has dipped to four with the resignation of Saleng A Sangma following his win in the Tura Lok Sabha election.
The TMC has five MLAs while the VPP has four.
The post of Opposition Chief Whip has also fallen vacant after Saleng’s resignation.
On VPP backing TMC for the post of Leader of Opposition, MPCC president, Vincent H Pala said, “The VPP keeps on changing their tone. Last time they said they back the Congress. Today Congress and VPP together have eight MLAs which is more than the TMC.”
Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma recently stated that none of the three opposition parties have sent any representation to him requesting him to change the Leader of Opposition and the Opposition Chief Whip in the Assembly.
The Speaker had also maintained that things will continue as it is if there is no demand.