By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 22: A call attention motion moved by VPP chief Ardent M Basaiawmoit led to a heated exchange of words between the Nongkrem MLA and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
Basaiawmoit had moved the motion on “living standards lowest in Meghalaya” when he took exception to a remark by the CM that members should not have microscopic mindsets and narrow visions.
The CM also added that he is “Sangma” while the Deputy CMs are “Tynsong” and “Dhar”.
He pointed out that a government is not run by an individual and it is a team work.
Basaiawmoit took note of the remark and said that the CM is taking advantage of the call attention motion and expressing what he feels by deviating from the motion.
Basaiawmoit also remarked that there is a difference in the mindset of a tribal and people from outside the state.
“Just because we are raising issues of the state, you think we are narrow-minded,” he questioned the CM.
He also threw a challenge that he was ready for a debate with the CM on a different platform.
Later, former CM, Mukul Sangma also stood up and said that the CM often raises points of order and the same applies to everyone. He added that the Minister in charge should make a brief statement and nothing beyond that during a call attention motion.
He also pointed out that there are new MLAs and senior legislators should lead by example.
It is to be noted that during the session on Wednesday, Basaiawmoit had lamented that Meghalaya was being ruled by “Kumars”.
Raising a short duration discussion on appointment of A Ali as the full-fledged secretary of Meghalaya State Council of Technical Education, Basaiawmoit said, “After attaining Statehood, we had expectations that Lyngdohs, Sangmas, Marbaniangs and Kharkongors would govern us. However, we have landed up being ruled by Kumars.”
