Shillong Mar 12: The coalition Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA)-led government on Monday won the vote of confidence in Assembly, even as the Opposition Congress questioned if the coalition government is being led by the BJP.
The voting was taken up during the special session of the Assembly where the vote of confidence was moved by Parliamentary Affairs minister, Prestone Tynsong who expressed confidence in the present ministry led by chief minister, Conrad K. Sangma.
Immediately after the table of the vote of confidence, Leader of Opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma stood up and sought a clarification if the present government is being led by the BJP.
Dr Mukul said that during elections, parties that formed the government together now had promised the people that they would not align with the BJP.
“The people have also given the mandate in that line,†Dr Mukul said, while seeking clarity from the chief minister.
Dr Mukul also alleged that even the colour of the cover files used during swearing-in ceremony of the Council of ministers at the Raj Bhavan in Meghalaya and Nagaland was saffron.
As heated argument was exchanged among members both from the treasury and opposition, the Speaker who tried to calm down the situation, told the House that the House is not the place to discuss about the people’s mandate.
In his reply, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said that the government is led by parties which are part of the MDA coalition.
While naming parties like the National People’s Party, United Democratic Party, People’s Democratic Front, Hill State People’s Democratic Party and Independents that formed the MDA government, the chief minister however did not mention the BJP, after which, BJP minister, A.L. Hek stood up and told the House that the MDA government is also supported by the BJP.
BJP member, Sanbor Shullai also shouted and asked the Opposition to justify if the BJP is an anti-people party.
The House returned to normal after Speaker intervened who then put the matter to vote where the ruling MDA won.
At present, the MDA coalition comprised of 19 members from National People’s Party, six from United Democratic Party, four from the People’s Democratic Front, two each from the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP) and the BJP, one from the Nationalist Congress Party besides two Independents – Samuel M. Sangma and Lambor Malngiang.
The Opposition Congress has 20 members since Dr Mukul is holding both the seats, Songsak and Ampati.
The two members, lone Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement legislator, Adelbert Nongrum and Independent, S.K. Sun have not declared their affiliation.