TMC Parliamentary Party leader Dr Mukul Sangma has officially staked his claim for the post of Leader of the Opposition in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly. This development comes after Congress legislator Ronnie V Lyngdoh extended his support to the TMC for the position.
Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma, while addressing Meghalaya News 24 on Wednesday, confirmed receiving Ronnie V Lyngdoh’s resignation from his role as Leader of the Opposition. “I received a resignation letter from Ronnie V Lyngdoh as Leader of the Opposition, and at the same time, he has submitted a letter of support to the TMC. As a result, Dr Mukul Sangma, the leader of the TMC Parliamentary Party, has staked his claim for the post of Leader of the Opposition,” said Speaker Thomas A Sangma.
The Speaker noted that with the support of the lone Congress legislator, the TMC now has a strength of six members in the Assembly. “I have received the letter with the support of one lone Congress legislator and five TMC members. Their strength has gone up to six, which represents exactly 10 percent of the strength of the house, and I am currently examining it,” he added.
In a related development, the TMC has also supported the Congress MLA for the post of Opposition Chief Whip.
The Speaker further mentioned that he is carefully considering the claim and will deliver his verdict shortly. “Maybe by tomorrow or the day after, I will be coming out with my decision,” Sangma stated.
Dr Mukul Sangma, accompanied by the supporting MLAs, personally met with the Speaker earlier today. “So, I have physically verified their strength,” the Speaker confirmed.
The decision on the new Leader of the Opposition is eagerly awaited, as it will significantly impact the political dynamics within the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.