Staff Reporter
Shillong, Aug 24: TMC leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma today said the ruling National People’s Party (NPP)’s decision to poach legislators of other political parties is because it does not trust its own legislators.
He said that technically speaking the suspended members of the legislative assembly (MLAs) cannot decide to split and merge with any political party.
He was commenting on the recent political development in the state following the merging of three Congress MLAs – Gabriel Wahlang (Nongstoin), Dr Celestine Lyngdoh (Umsning) and Charles Marngar (Mawhati) with the NPP.
Speaking to journalists, Mukul said that political development is a matter of great concern as it does not augur well for the state and its people.
“(The ruling NPP has been engaging in poaching MLAs of other political parties because) they themselves don’t trust their own members. Let me be blunt. You do a little bit more of investigative journalism you will know what I am saying. You will see it sooner than later,” he said.
The NPP has increased its strength to 31 following the merging of the three Congress MLAs on August 19 and two People’s Democratic Front (PDF) MLAs, last year.
Stating that NPP is desperate to remain in power, Mukul said, “In 2018, you have seen in the case of the then elected member from Ranikor how he fell prey into the poaching endeavour, which itself is unethical and does not augur well for the state. Then you have seen similar things post 2023 elections, merger of PDF with the NPP. What is the reason? Is there any justification? Is there any political situation, which resulted in making the members of the political parties to merge? It is nothing again; it revolves around the poaching of the elected representative in the august House. So it also reflects their desperation to remain in power, come what may.”
On NPP also poaching TMC MLAs, the former CM said, “I have full trust and confidence in my members. I think we have demonstrated that earlier also in the past.”
Asserting the need for smaller political parties to ensure their legislators are committed to stay in their respective parties, Mukul said, “Now, with no intent to offend anybody but it is also important for every party to ensure that their members stay as committed members of the party with the collective resolve to fulfil the vested responsibilities.”
“Now, unfortunately what has happened probably can be attributed to the party itself also. There must have been some cold war going on for a reasonable period of time resulting in this showdown,” he added.
Further, Mukul said that he along with 12 MLAs of the Congress had merged with the TMC with intent to give an alternative political platform and not with an intent to be in power prior to elections unlike the other MLAs who merged with the NPP just to be part of the government out of desperation to be in power.
“I don’t find any reason why MLAs should be so desperate to be part of the ruling dispensation unless there are some instances of inducement,” he also added.
On the possibility for the two suspended Congress MLAs to be disqualified since the Congress has decided to challenge the recent merger with the NPP, Mukul however said these are technicalities and vis-à-vis the provisions of the tenth schedule of the Constitution of India and also various pronouncements and judgments by the Apex Court.
“What happens when MLAs are suspended by the political party to which they belong, they become suspended MLAs, so they cannot be a signatory to any of the decisions being made by any of the members, who are regular members and not suspended. Therefore, a suspended MLA cannot be a party to a decision to split and merge. The suspended MLAs cannot be party or cannot be a signatory in the merger letter given by MLAs of any political party, because they are suspended MLAs. So the difference between the two and the one is completely different,” he said.
Gabriel Wahlang and Charles Mangar were suspended by the Congress before joining the NPP while sparing Dr Celestine Lyngdoh.
“Suspended MLAs cannot decide to split and merge with any political party that is the technical part. That is why the issue of suspension. It is an attempt of the party to pre-empt the chances of deciding to split or not. That is the technicality party. But how they are interpreting, whether there is a manipulation or not all these technicalities have to be known from the whole records of which probably the office of the Speaker and the party will be in a much more position to tell you but I am only telling you the technicalities of how you interpreted it. Therefore, if the two suspended MLAs decide to merge, then the suspended MLAs cannot sign together as they don’t belong to the same category anymore,” he explained.
The former CM said, “If the parent political party and the office of the Speaker will be in the best position to talk about the details as the correspondence, when was letter of merger signed – all these things will be available with them but from what we saw from the development unfolded properly carried by the media, we saw by the time the two MLAs were suspended, they not actually sign the merger, that is what can be seen by any common man who are onlooker of the development that is unfolded so now if they want to unearth the truth, then it is upto the party and then may be the truth will come out.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, March 20: All India Trinamool Congress leader and former chief minister Mukul Sangma today said the issue as to who will represent the opposition bench in the Assembly is left to the wisdom of the Speaker.
“We have left it to the wisdom of the Speaker,” Sangma, who is also a former leader of the opposition, told reporters.
Three opposition parties including Congress and the Voice of the People Party are in a fix now as to who should become the leader of the opposition in the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly considering the fact that as per rule, a party which is represented by the Leader of Opposition should have at least 10 members in the Assembly (one-sixth of the total strength of 60 members in the House) for recognition.
But the opposition parties - Congress, and Trinamool Congress (TMC) have five MLAs each, while the VPP has four MLAs, which is much below the strength of 10 members.
The former chief minister however said, “You go by history. In 2013-2018, when we were in the ruling, what did we do? We allow having a leader of opposition in spite of the number not being able to fulfil that criterion as per rules and conduct of business in this August House. And earlier, the same thing happened in 2008-2013.”
Stating that there are records available for reference, he said, “Therefore, we are leaving it to the wisdom of the Speaker,” while adding “Because these issues are based on how do we ensure that there is no vacuum because if you are looking at various other aspects of responsibilities which revolves around various laws and implementation of laws by the government, you will see the requirement of the role of opposition.”
Sangma further informed that the three opposition parties are yet to sit properly to discuss the issue.
“We are yet to sit on this particular issue and therefore, there is a kind of lack of synergy in as far as this decision is concerned. We hope to have a sitting and have a certain kind of decision which will be arrived at with the wisdom of all concerns,” he said.
Staff Reporter
Shillong, March 9: TMC leader and former leader of the opposition Mukul Sangma said the three opposition parties have to synergize the overall mandate and collectively take issues which are confronting the people of the state.
Sangma told reporters that as far as the question of the leader of the opposition is concerned, it depends on how the Speaker determines because there are certain rules which need to be referred to.
He said at the same time there has been precedence during their time when the opposition was only 7 and there was a notification to that effect appointing a leader of the opposition.
“Remember late Dr Donkupar Roy between 2013 and 2018, he was LO. We notified him,” he said while adding “Let us expect that good sense prevails because at the end of the day, as I reasserted time and again, we must realize one thing that we are all under the constant scrutiny of the people whom we represent and therefore, our purpose is to be in sync with that whole trust and confidence with which people have elected us and given us the mandate.”
He asserted the need for all opposition parties to synergize their efforts collectively in the interest of the people and the state.
On VPP’s decision to maintain a separate identity in the opposition bench, Sangma said, “We have three different groups here – the TMC, INC and VPP. We have our own respective identities as far as political parties. So there is no question of diluting that. While saying so is the role of the opposition as we synchronize and synergize our effort collectively towards achieving our purpose, fulfilling our purpose that is what I am saying and that will enable us to be effective as opposition, constructive as opposition and deliver what is expected through this whole collective exercise that we do.”
“As we have said, we will always be reminded of the trust and confidence with which people have elected us and sent us with this mandate. Therefore, our role will always be guided by this conscience, the conscience which reminds us of our responsibility towards the larger good of the people and our responsibility towards protecting the interest of the state,” he added.
Sangma said that the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and the Indian National Congress (INC) will continue to meet on the matter. “It is just the beginning, have some patience,” he stated.
Sangma told reporters that BJP had said that there is a need to change the MDA regime and the reason being the issue of corruption.
Also read: Meghalaya Cabinet approves Bill to repeal Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021
“Now issue corruption if they have been so rhetoric on issues of corruption and suddenly they realize that they didn’t get the numbers and surrender, it is not something which is expected by the people nor by political parties like us because with every political party lies a huge responsibility, responsibility towards the larger good of the people and interest of the state,” he said.
“Now doesn’t BJP subscribe to the idea of walking the talk and at the same time doesn’t they realize the huge amount of responsibility that they have being the political party who is governing this great nation and also BJP must be reminded of the fact that none other than the prime minister himself have promised to the people of this great nation that come what may there will be zero tolerance against corruption,” he said.
Asserting the need to understand the responsibility that comes along with every mandate, Sangma said, “Whether you win the election or not but you have shared the votes of the people. Whether the percentage of votes is enough to convert into winning or otherwise but the fact is that people have repose a certain amount of confidence even if the number is not enough to make the party have that kind of number they expected but nevertheless their words were taken by the people, people have believed them that is why people have gone towards their party and therefore, the responsibility of that political party towards fulfilling their commitment lies.”
Shillong, March 2: A big loss for AITC leader Dr Mukul Sangma as he loses Tikrikilla constituency to NPP candidate Jimmy D. Sangma by a huge margin.
Mukul had earlier decided to fight for two seats in this election that include Tikrikilla and Songsak constituencies. However, he is leading from the Songsak constituency.
Meanwhile, NPP is seen to be emerging as the single largest party in Meghalaya as per Election Result Trends and BJP has managed to retain two seats as of now.
Shillong | March 2, 2023
The assembly elections in Meghalaya for 59 seats took place on February 28, 2023, while polling in one constituency was adjourned due to the death of a candidate. The counting of votes has commenced on March 2 from 8 am onwards. The Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya, F R Kharkongor had earlier stated that over 85% of the state's 21.6 lakh voters exercised their franchise during this year's elections.
The Congress and BJP contested in 59 seats, while the NPP put up nominees in 56 constituencies, the TMC in 57, and the United Democratic Party (UDP) in 46.The high turnout during the elections reflects the people's interest and enthusiasm in the democratic process. The CEO's office had previously reported that over 75% of the voting took place till 5 PM, with voting continuing for several more hours after it was supposed to conclude at 4 pm. Counting for the 59 constituencies will be held at 13 centers across the state.
04:13 pm:
The overall vote count as follows
NPP leads with 25 seats followed by UDP with 11 seats, INC and AITC with 5 seats, VPP with 4, BJP 3 and HSPDP, PDF and Independent with 2 each.
02:49 pm:
Lahkmen Rymbui retains Amlarem by a margin of 57 votes.
02.32 pm:
People accord warm welcome to NPP Chief Conrad K Sangma after NPP's victorious innings in 25 seats.
02.28 pm:
BJP's Sanbor Shullai reacts after winning South Shillong for the 4th term.
NPP Chief Conrad K Sangma's 1st reaction after poll results.
2.00 pm:
Mukul Sangma loses Tikrikilla
01.39 pm:
Results for 59/59 seats known for Meghalaya. NPP leads in 26 seats followed by UDP and VPP among others.
01.13 pm:
NPP's Conrad K Sangma continues to lead in South Tura Constituency with 49% votes as per latest ECI updates.
12.59 pm:
BJP's AL Hek and Sanbor Shullai retain Pynthorumkhrah and South Shillong Constituencies.
NPP's Snaiwbhalang Dhar wins Nartiang constituency.
NPP continues to maintain overall lead in Meghalaya.
12.50 pm:
NPP's Marthon J Sangma wins Mendipathar constituency.
NPP's James Sangma loses to Rupa M Marak of AITC by a very close margin.
12.13 pm:
NPP's Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh emerge victorious
11.55 am:
Conrad Sangma's NPP seen to be emerging as single largest party in Meghalaya as per Election Result Trends.
11:27 am:
BJP candidate AL Hek leading in Pynthorumkhrah Constituency followed by INC candidate PN Syiem, VPP, NPP and other.
11.15 am:
VPP candidate from Mawlai, Brightstarwell Marbaniang exudes confidence after Round 2 election verdict.
11.04 am:
JUST IN-- NPP leads in 20 seats, followed by UDP in 7, INC in 6, BJP in 6, AITC in 5 and VPP in 4.
10.50 am:
Voice of the People Party (VPP) supporters rejoice as the party leads in various constituencies for Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Elections. VPP is currently seen to be leading in Mawlai, Nongkrem, Mylliem and Mawphlang.
10.33 am:
NPP's Conrad Sangma, the current Chief Minister of Meghalaya and BJP's Bernard N Marak neck to neck with 2672 and 2628 respectively.
10.28 am:
Round 1 poll results: (major constituencies)
South Tura: NPP's Conrad Sangma and BJP's Bernard N Marak neck to neck with 2672 and 2628 respectively
Amlarem: Lahkmen Rymbui (UDP)
Dadenggre: Rupa M Marak (AITC) surpasses James Sangma (NPP)
Jowai: Wailadmiki Shylla (NPP)
Khliehriat: Kyrmen Shylla (UDP)
Mawhati: Shemphang Lyngdoh (NPP)
Mawlai: Brightstarwell Marbaniang (VPP)
Nongthymmai: Charles Pyngrope (AITC)
Ranikor: Pius Marwein (UDP)
Resubelpara: Timothy D Shira (NPP)
more updates incoming...
10.10 am:
Latest trends as per ECI website
09.30 am:
Just In-- Latest trends:
VPP leading in Mawphlang
INC leading in Mairang,
HSPDP leading in Mawthadraishan
AITC leading in Kharkutta, Rongara Siju
NPP leading in Resubelpara and Bajengdoba
GNC leading in Chokpot
more updates incoming...
09.00 am-- Just in: scenes from the counting locations in Meghalaya outside the strong rooms.
08.20 am-- Counting of votes began at 13 centres across Meghalaya today. The district magistrate of Eastern West Khasi Hills district has imposed Section 144 on Thursday. At 8 AM, under heavy security, the counting of votes for 59 of the 60 members of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly began across various districts.
As per reports, Conrad Sangma, the current chief minister of Meghalaya and the leader of the NPP, visited Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the chief minister of Assam, on Tuesday night in Guwahati ahead of the couting day. NPP sources informed that bot the Chief Ministers participated in a key meeting that lasted 30 minutes in a hotel in Guwahati.
08:10 am-- All eyes on counting of votes. 24 CAPF companies have been retained for ensuring 24*7 safe counting of votes at the strongrooms, containing polled EVMs of 3419 polling stations across the State of Meghalaya, as informed by Meghalaya CEO F.R Kharkongor. The CAPF personnel will be stationed till March 4, 2023, for keeping a check on post poll occurrences. Post counting, 5 polling stations will be selected at random and manual counting of 5 randomly selected EVMs will take place as per ECI rules. On the other hand, massive traffic arrangements have also been made for the day across various districts of Meghalaya.