Shillong, Mar 21: Members of the tenth Meghalaya Assembly on Wednesday elected three-time legislator of the National People’s Party (NPP) from Resubelpara constituency, Timothy D. Shira as the new Deputy Speaker.

Shira defeated candidate of the Opposition Congress and two-time legislator from Mawryngkneng constituency, David A. Nongrum in the election conducted through secret ballot.

Shira secured 36 votes while Nongrum got 20 votes. While one vote was found invalid, the Speaker, Donkupar Roy did not cast his vote.

The House at present has 58 members including the Speaker.

Shira was the deputy chief minister of the then Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) government that lasted only for one year (2008-2009) when the present Speaker was the chief minister.

Like in 2008, Roy and Shira are also holding high posts in Assembly now as Speaker and Deputy Speaker.

Shira is the senior most member of the current House in age. He is 68, followed by the Speaker who is 63 years old.

The Speaker, Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, Leader of Opposition, Mukul Sangma and other members congratulated Shira for getting elected to the post.

Shira in his speech thanked members of the House for electing to the second highest post of the Assembly.

Shira was also the member of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council in the past.

Shira who had contested many elections since 1978, said that he did not give up even when he did not succeed.

Talking about hard work and his active engagement in farming, the Deputy Speaker also urged other members of the House to take up farming activities and help the people especially in terms of employment.

He said that the people elected representatives with a purpose, Shira said that elected representatives should be faithful to the people and advised young members to have patience and determination in serving the people.