Newmai News Network
Shillong | November 10
After chairing a meeting of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today expressed confidence that the alliance will defeat the no-confidence motion moved by the opposition Congress in the Assembly.
“We are ready. Our entire MDA is united and we are very confident that we will get through this no-confidence motion,” Sangma told reporters on Tuesday.
After the opposition moved the no trust motion, it was admitted by the Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh for disposal on Wednesday, 11:00 am.
The opposition has accused the MDA government of failing to address multiple and critical issues and to protect the interest of the state.
Conrad Sangma informed that a whip is being prepared and accordingly it will be issued to all ruling members to support the MDA government.
He, however, said that the opposition could have mentioned the issues that are concerning them in other forms. “In fact they had mentioned in their press conference that it (Assembly) is a platform to discuss issues. Therefore, I think there are many platforms but nonetheless, the opposition has chosen this particular route so we (as MDA) are ready,” said Sangma.
When asked on the two cabinet ministers, Alexander Laloo Hek and Sniawbhalang Dhar who had recently tested COVID-19 positive and did not attend the ongoing Assembly’s autumn session, Sangma said that both have already tested negative for COVID-19 about a week back but could not attend the session as they are still recuperating.
Stating that Wednesday is an important day for the government, the Chief Minister said that all the ruling members including the two ministers, despite their health conditions, will be present in the House.
The ruling MDA is supported by six political parties and has a total strength of 41, while the opposition Congress is with 19 members in a 60 member House.
Speaker admits motion
Earlier, admitting the no-confidence motion tabled by opposition Congress, Speaker Lyngdoh said that “since at least 10 members have supported the motion, the motion has Leave of the House to be admitted. Therefore, the no-confidence motion is admitted with the leave of the House.”
The motion was moved by the leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma along with 10 other legislators.
The opposition in the motion alleged that the council of ministers led by Chief Minister has failed to address multiple and critical issues affecting the wellbeing of the people as a whole.
“Whereas, the council of ministers led by Conrad K. Sangma has failed to protect the interest of the state as a whole and failed in all fronts. Therefore, this House does now express its want of confidence in the council of ministers,” the opposition party said.
