SHILLONG: A political drama unfolded on Thursday after the Congress MLA from Ranikor MM Danggo, who was set to resign as MLA at 5 pm, did not turn up in the Assembly Secretariat in Police Bazar and later sent his resignation letter at night to the Deputy Speaker at his official residence.
The Assembly Speaker, Donkupar Roy is currently out of station.
NPP leader and Home Minister James Sangma confirmed that Danggo resigned and the letter of resignation was accepted by the Deputy Speaker Timothy Shira.
Earlier in the day, it was officially informed to the deputy speaker that Danggo would be reaching the Assembly Secretariat at 5 pm to submit his resignation to him.
The Assembly Secretariat officials were also ready and waited beyond 5 pm for Danggo’s arrival.
Soon after the information spread, media persons reached the Assembly Secretariat, but the appointment time of 5 pm crossed and even at 6 pm, Danggo did not arrive at the Assembly. Later, a visibly upset deputy speaker informed media persons that the MLA was scheduled to submit his resignation but did not come due to some engagements.
The Home Minister James Sangma informed the deputy speaker that Danggo had postponed his decision.
However, the reason for his sudden decision to postpone the resignation was not indicated to the deputy speaker.
Later, in a surprise move, at around 9 pm, Danggo quit the post as MLA and submitted his resignation letter through an NPP leader.
Earlier in the day, the deputy speaker had said Danggo would come next week to submit his resignation.
However, the date and time of submission of his resignation was not made known to the deputy speaker.
Danggo was not available for comments as his mobile phone was stitched off throughout the day.
Sources said that the cabinet meeting which was scheduled on Thursday to discuss the need to give nod to the Ranikor civil sub-division was postponed as the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was unwell.
According to sources, Danggo was waiting for the cabinet decision on the Ranikor civil sub-division before quitting as MLA.
The final decision to quit as MLA was taken by Danggo after getting an assurance from the government that the next cabinet meeting will decide on the matter, sources added.
During the recent visit of the chief minister to Ranikor, Danggo had expressed his desire to join NPP provided that the civil sub-division is inaugurated.
He had also stated that he would quit the Congress and join NPP on the day of inauguration of the Ranikor civil sub-division.
