By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 29: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong termed the VPP’s walkout a ‘drama’ and asked the opposition party to sit across the table and discuss the matter instead of staging protests.
He said the government is bound by the rule of law and cannot interfere in the legal process pertaining to the investigation against Education Minister Rakkam Sangma over an alleged hate speech.
Tynsong urged members of the House to adhere to the established rules and conduct.
“We have been guided by the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Meghalaya legislative Assembly since 1972 till today,” he said.
The VPP’s walkout was motivated by their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the FIR against the Education minister, whom they accused of promoting communal disharmony.
Reacting to this, Tynsong said, “What is the status of the FIR against the minister? I am not aware because once the FIR is registered the case will take its own course.”
Tynsong dismissed the notion that the government could manipulate the legal process, stating, “I cannot say that just because I am the Home in charge, I can do anything. I can’t manipulate anything. We have to abide by the law.”
He also addressed the opposition party’s claim that the law is not being applied equally, especially when it involves ministers. “The claim of the party is that the law is not equal for ministers and necessary action is not being taken. Hence, they feel that it should be on record that they have boycotted the Education minister,” Tynsong said, urging the VPP to engage in dialogue rather than staging protests.
The Education minister, while reacting to the VPP’s walkout, said they should allow the law to take its own course.
“Elections are gone; what is the point of bringing it to the Assembly. I do not want to pass any comments. All I would say is practice what you preach,” the minister said.
