By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 29: The Meghalaya Assembly on Thursday officially notified Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma as the Leader of Opposition (LO) and Ronnie V Lyngdoh as the Opposition Chief Whip.
The announcement came a day after Sangma had staked a claim to the post following the resignation of Lyngdoh from the same position. Lyngdoh’s resignation was prompted by the Congress’ diminished strength, now reduced to just one in the 60-member Assembly.
As per rules, the Opposition’s number should be one/tenth (six MLAs) in the Meghalaya Assembly in order to be able to claim the post of LO.
Laying out his priorities as LO, Sangma said his focus will always be on safeguarding the interests of the people and the state. He said the Opposition’s role is to ensure that people’s concerns remain at the forefront of governance.
“Always be revolving around issues which deal with the interests of the people, the interests of the state. When we speak about the interests of the people and the interests of the state, it means any situation, which challenges the very interests of the people, must supersede everything else,” the TMC leader said.
He underscored the responsibility of elected representatives to prioritise the will and desires of people above all other influences.
Sangma highlighted the myriad issues facing Meghalaya, particularly in critical sectors such as education, health and livelihoods. He pointed to the rising costs of medical care as one of the most pressing challenges, noting that despite initiatives like the Megha Health Insurance Scheme, many people still struggle to afford healthcare.
He further voiced concerns over the challenges faced by families in providing education to their children.
“Our tribals do have sizable families, mothers having four or five children…You can understand the burden of raising these children, educating them to that level where they can really acclimatise to the challenges which confront them in their career,” he said.
He criticised the government’s handling of rising prices for essential commodities and services. He expressed frustration at its apparent lack of effort in controlling the prices which he said are adversely affecting people’s livelihoods.
“There’s an uninterrupted surge of prices of various commodities, items, services, but the government seems to be not willing to really contain it, nor address that,” he said, pointing out the impact of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime on the escalating costs.