The question of who will succeed Saleng A Sangma as the Opposition Chief Whip in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, as well as whether the largest Opposition party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), will secure the post of Leader of the Opposition, remains uncertain. Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has stated that he is still examining the issue and will provide his decision soon.
“I am still consulting and I am still examining the matter, I will not be able to say it now but we will take the decision as the situation unfold we will take the necessary decision, I am still examining it and no final decision,”
Further he said, “As the decision with regard to Leader of opposition is not taken it still stands.”
Asked when the decision is likely he said “May be during the session but I can’t say it right now but I will take decision soon.”
“As per the rule it says there has to be atleast 10 percent of the total seat, so none of the political parties in the opposition has that 10 percent numbers which is actually six seats, so now it is the prerogative of Assembly to make a decision. I am still examining it,” the speaker added.
The TMC currently holds five seats in the 59-member Assembly, while the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) and the Congress each have four legislators.
The Gambegre seat is currently vacant following Saleng A Sangma’s resignation after being elected as the MP from the Tura Parliamentary seat. This has left the Assembly Speaker with the responsibility of deciding whether Dr. Mukul Sangma, the longest-serving legislator and a seven-time MLA, qualifies for the role of Leader of the Opposition.
It is noteworthy that the Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) has already communicated to Speaker Thomas Sangma that it has no role to play with regards to the post of the Leader of Opposition. The letter duly signed last month by Mawryngkneng MLA Heavingstone Kharpran, expressed that the party was disturbed with the frequent reports in the media, where the name of the party has been unnecessarily dragged in connection with the appointment of the Leader of Opposition.
Now, the final decision on these possible changes now rests with the Speaker, who will determine the appropriate course of action based on the current political dynamics in the Assembly.