SHILLONG, March 11 NNN: Congress Legislator from Phulbari in Meghalaya, Abu Taher Mondal made a history of becoming the first non-indigenous legislator to be elevated to the highest post as he was elected Speaker to the ninth Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Monday.
\nThis happened in spite of the staunch opposition from tribal organisations from Khasi and Garo communities. Mondal who is also former power minister of the state was elected unopposed after the nomination paper of HSPDP legislator from Nongkrem, Ardent Basaiawmoit was rejected on ground since his party colleague from Mawshynrut, Witting Mawsor came in late to second his name on the filing day.
\nRecently, there was stiff opposition from some quarter against the decision to appoint Mondal as Speaker citing that he is a non-tribal. Pledging to represent the state, Mondal said, \u201cThough by name and my looks are not tribal but I will represent the state as a Speaker and whatever I speak it will be for the people,\u201d adding \u201cBeing in this house, we can contribute a lot for the growth and development including economic upliftment of the poor in the state.\u201d
\nPromise to rise in all occasion, he said, \u201cI assure that none of my action will put down the faith that has been repose in me,\u201d adding \u201cIt will be my endeavour to look into the interest of all the members irrespective of their position.\u201d Earlier, all most all the legislators including oppositions stood up to congratulate and expressed full confident in the stewardship of Mondal during the felicitation to the newly elected Speaker. \u201cPeople of the state will celebrate the vibrant nature of democracy as it created space for all sections,\u201d Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma said as he congratulates Mondal for being the first non-tribal Speaker in the state.
\nAssuring full support and cooperation, he said, \u201cWe have full faith in your capability where you will uphold the tradition, dignity and decorum of this house and that you will provide space for all to reflect the aspiration of the people.\u201d
\nStating that Meghalaya Assembly is known for high order of debates besides dignity, decorum and discipline, senior Congress leaders, DD Lapang and Salseng C Marak asked the newly elected Speaker to maintain this reputation of the house in the highest manner and ensure justice and impartiality is delivered.
\nSpeakers during the felicitation also appealed to Mondal to look into issues relating to the new building of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and MLAs pension scheme and facilities besides maintaining neutrality while conducting the house.
\n\u201cWe hope that you will be able to finalize the site for the construction of the new Assembly building which is long overdue during your tenure,\u201d UDP chief, Donkupar Roy said while requesting the Speaker to ensure that revise the MLA facilities by ensuring all elected representative are allotted with new vehicles which is a long pending demand.
\nHis party working president, Paul Lyngdoh however said, \u201cToday you have removed your jersey of being a party player by dawning the uniform of being a referee who is above party politics,\u201d adding, \u201cWe look forward that you will rise above ethnicity, party politics and partisan.\u201d
\nStating that house has two football teams and the difference is that the treasury has more players than the opposition, Lyngdoh however urged the Speaker to be neutral and not to take the opposition as wrong side but as his left side.
\nParticipating in the felicitation, NPP legislator, James Sangma while congratulating the Speaker said, \u201cAs a custodian we expect you to deliver your duty as a presiding officer with utmost dedication and sincerity.\u201d Stating that Mondal is one of the ministers who has always show respect to the opposition, James however requested the Speaker that ample time should be given for debate in the house.<\/p>\n\n