NEW DELHI: Citing a "breakdown of Constitutional machinery", the Central government on Wednesday decided to impose President's rule in Meghalaya, a day after the State government survived a trust vote with the help of the Assembly Speaker. A meeting of the Union Cabinet, which was presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday morning, took a decision to bring the State under Central rule and to keep the Assembly under suspended animation.
"After taking note of what happened in the Meghalaya Assembly yesterday, Governor RS Mooshahary has reported that there is a breakdown of Constitutional machinery and recommended imposition of President's Rule and keeping the assembly in suspended animation," Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the meeting.
He said the Governor's report was accepted by the Cabinet and a suitable recommendation was being sent to the President.
Aided by Speaker Bindo M Lanong, who exercised his casting vote after invalidating the votes of four rebel members of the ruling coalition, the Dr Donkupar Roy-led MPA Government had on Tuesday survived a confidence vote in the Assembly.
Mr Lanong suspended five MLAs, who withdrew support to the government, under the Anti-Defection Law ignoring the Governor's directive that he maintain status quo of the voting rights of members. He cast his vote when there was a tie of 27:27 in the 60-member House during division.
NCP, the largest partner of MPA and also an important ally of the UPA Government at the Centre, has described the Union Cabinet's decision to impose President's rule in Meghalaya as "most unfortunate." Interestingly, NCP president Sharad Pawar was present in the Cabinet meeting which passed the controversial decision. On the other hand, MP from Shillong constituency and seniormost Union minister from the North-East PR Kyndiah was absent from the meeting since he was away in Shillong.
BJP, a partner of the NCP-led coalition in Meghalya, criticised the UPA Government's decision to impose Central rule even after the MPA Government had proved its majority on the floor of the House.
The political upheaval in Meghalaya already had its echo in AICC with Congress president Sonia Gandhi raising concern over the turn of events in the mercurial state during a meeting with some party leaders here.
Speaking to the reporters after a meeting on Tuesday, NECCC general secretary Shariff Laskar said the party president was very much concerned about the way the trial of strength was carried out in the Meghalaya Assembly. He said Congress leaders were working overtime to ensure that President's rule is imposed in the State and the party comes back to power there.
UNI adds from Shillong: Mr Mooshahary, meanwhile, asked Meghalaya Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee to maintain law and order in the wake of imposition of President's Rule in the State.
Mr Chatterjee, who was summoned, briefed the governor on the prevailing social and political situation in the state.
''He has asked me to ensure that breakdown of law and order in the state does not happen,'' Mr Chatterjee told UNI.
He, however, said the Governor was yet to receive the President's proclamation.
HC issues notice to Lanong
Suspension of MLAs
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court on Wednesday issued notices to outgoing Speaker BM Lanong asking him to explain why the suspension of five MLAs -- Paul Lyngdoh, Lemison Sangma, Ismail Marak, Sanbor Shullai and Dr Adviser Pariong-- from the Assembly ahead of the trust vote should not be quashed.
The Bench headed by Justice T Vaiphei asked Mr Lanong and the other respondents why it should not quash Mr Lanong's order for interim suspension of the MLAs.
The court on Thursday will pronounce its judgement on the petitions filed by KHNAM president Mr Lyngdoh and Independent legislator Mr Sangma seeking stay on the suspension order issued against them by the Speaker.
A hearing was held on Wednesday at the court of Justice Vaiphei who heard both the parties - petitioners and the respondents.
HOUSE SESSION: Meghalaya Assembly on Wednesday witnessed a pandemonium as the Opposition Congress did not allow the House to function in protest against what they called continuation of a "minority government".
As soon as the House commenced this morning, opposition MLAs trooped into the well shouting slogans against the government as well as the Speaker.
"We cannot accept a minority government. The Speaker has denied the rights of the Governor by not following his instructions. We will not associate with the proceedings," Opposition leader D D Lapang said.
They also blamed him for facilitating the "unjustified" victory of the MPA in the trust vote and for suspending the voting right of five legislators including Sanbor Shullai.
"Shame shame. You have murdered democracy" the Congress legislators shouted and continued to disrupt the proceedings of the House for around 20 minutes before staging a walk-out. Meanwhile, Mr Shullai, Paul Lyngdoh, Dr Adviser Pariong, Lemison Sangma and Ismail Marak did not turn up for the session on Wednesday as they had already been barred from entering the House by the Speaker till disposal of their suspension order.
Martle Mukhim to contest LS elections
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP) president Martle N Mukhim will fight the coming Lok Sabha election from Shillong constituency on party ticket.
With MDP's decision to field Mr Mukhim as its nominee, the number of candidates for Shillong constituency has gone up to six. The other contestants are John F Kharshiing (UDP), Vincent Pala (Congress), Reverend PBM Basaiawmoit (HSPDP), Dalington Dympep (CPI) and independent Denis Siangshai.
Mr Mukhim was elected to the State Assembly for four consecutive terms before he lost the last State Assembly election to Remington Pyngrope of UDP. He was also the chairman of Regional Parties Alliance (RPA) formed by KHNAM, UDP, MDP and HSPDP ahead of the last Lok Sabha election. RPA candidate Dr S Loniak Marbaniang was, however, defeated by Patty Ripple Kyndiah of Congress in the parliamentary poll.
So far, all the regional parties in Meghalaya -- UDP, HSPDP and MDP -- except KHNAM have decided to put up their candidates for the next Lok Sabha election.
Some political observers have opined that too many candidates of regional parties would only help Congress in the election.
PR unprecedented, unconstitutional: Purno
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: NCP leader and architect of MPA Purno A Sangma on Wednesday expressed surprise over the Centre's decision to recommend President's rule (PR) in the State and termed it as unprecedented and unconstitutional.
"It (recommendation of PR) is unwarranted and unprecedented. There is no constitutional crisis in Meghalaya. The Centre's decision is not as per the Constitution since the MPA Government had won the confidence vote on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday," Mr Sangma said, adding there was no manipulation of the House proceedings during the trust vote.
Assembly session discontinued
Outgoing Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly Bindo M Lanong has said that the budget session of the Assembly stands discontinued, with President's rule in the State recommended and the House placed under suspended animation.
"We can no longer continue the session as we have seen reports that the House has been placed under suspended animation," Mr Lanong said.
Assembly Secretary WM Rymbai said the Assembly Secretariat was awaiting the official order in connection with the Centre's announcement of President's rule.
State gets second PR after 17 years
This is the second time that Meghalaya has been brought under President's rule after a period of 17 years.
The first time President's rule was imposed in the State was on October 11 1991 during the tenure of Governor Madhukar Dighe. The Central rule lasted till February 5 1992.
Congress denies hand
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Congress has denied its role in the Governor's recommendation for imposition of President's rule in the State, saying constitutional breakdown compelled the Centre to take such a step.
"The Union Cabinet has accepted the Governor's recommendation for President's rule owing to the political situation. MPA's greed for power has led to imposition of President's rule in the State," Congress leader DD Lapang said.
Mr Lapang attributed the political crisis in the MPA rank and file to lack of control and management of the coalition partners.
"They (MPA) have ruled the State for 12 months and have shown their true colours to public," he said.
Mr Lapang, however, termed President's rule in the State as unfortunate but said the Centre had no other option.
BJP's Meghalaya unit has also strongly condemned President's rule in the State despite the MPA Government's victory in the floor test on Tuesday.
In a statement issued here, BJP's Meghalaya unit secretary Dipayan Chakraborty termed the imposition of President's rule as murder of democracy.
UDP's Shillong City vice-president HL Massar pulled up Congress and the Governor for conspiring to remove a democratically-elected (MPA) government.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) also deplored the imposition of President's rule in Meghalaya just at a time when the country is going to polls for the Lok Sabha.
According to a party release issued in New Delhi, the party said it was not appreciative of the Governor's report which said there was a breakdown of the constitutional machinery in the state.
Opp against KHADC amendment Bill
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Congres-led Opposition on Wednesday came out openly against the Amendment Bill to increase the number of Executive Members (EMs) of the KHADC Executive Committee from 10 to 11.
Chief Executive Member Dr Celestine Lyngdoh introduced the Khasi Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) (Amendment) Rules, 2009 in the House on the first day of the budget session here on Wednesday.
Opposing the Bill, Congress member Mansturdy Nongrem said that the proposed amendment was not necessary "since the Council is facing huge financial constraints".
"I do not see that there is extra burden on any of the EMs since it was seen in the past many of the EMs do not have job to do," he said adding "the Council has also not been able to clear the pending bills of the contractors for the past three to four years".
Mr Nongrem felt the Council could not afford to put extra burden on the council exchequer by appointment of one more EM.
Other Congress MDCs Irin Lyngdoh and Pyngshnainlang Syiem also opposed the proposed Amendment Bill.
Justifying his decision, KHADC CEM Dr Lyngdoh said it was necessary to have one more EMs to ease the work loads on the existing EMs adding that the allotment of three Elaka's of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi to three various EMs had also increase the responsibilities.
The discussion on the Amendment Bill will be held on March 23. Meanwhile, Rs 8.42 crore vote on account was tabled by KHADC CEM on Wednesday. The proposed amount is for the period of three months that is from April 1 to June 30. The discussion on the vote on account will be held on March 20.
MPA to challenge PR in SC: Dr Roy
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: MPA has decided to move the Supreme Court against the Centre's decision to impose President's rule (PR) in the State.
The non-Congress alliance will complain to the President about Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary's "unconstitutional, politically-motivated and partisan role in destabilising the (MPA) government and encouraging defection of legislators."
A delegation of MPA leaders would visit New Delhi on Thursday to file a petition in the apex court to challenge the Centre's decision to impose President's rule.
"We have decided to challenge the Centre's decision in the Supreme Court," outgoing Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy told reporters here after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Dr Roy attacked Mr Mooshahary for playing a "partisan role" by acting on behalf of Congress while recommending PR.
"It is surprising to see that Congress is trying to turn Raj Bhavan into Congress Bhavan," he said
Stating that members of the MPA Cabinet were displeased with the Governor's role, Dr Roy said MPA would complain to the President, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha LK Advani about Mr Mooshahary's action.
"I respect the Governor and his office, but his partisan role is very unfortunate. I went to the Assembly on the advice of the Governor to seek a vote of confidence. MPA has won the trial of strength on the floor of the House, not in Raj Bhavan," Dr Roy said.
Alleging that Opposition Congress was misusing the Raj Bhavan and the Governor acting on the advice of the Leader of Opposition DD Lapang, the Chief Minister said, "The Governor wanted the Speaker to conduct the proceedings of the House during the trust vote as per the directives of Mr Lapang."
Dr Roy said he came to know of the Centre's decision on President's rule in the State only through national news channel as "no official order in this regard has been sent to the State Government so far."
Sources said the Centre had received a report from the Governor on Tuesday night on the political crisis in the State after the MPA Government's failure to secure a simple majority during the vote of confidence. MPA and Congress-led MUA got 27 votes each. The Speaker broke the tie giving his casting vote in favour of the ruling coalition.
The Governor was learnt to have studied video footage of the proceedings of the trust vote which was sent to him by the Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday evening before sending his report to the Centre.
It may be mentioned here that legislators belonging to MUA and four of the five suspended MLAs met the Governor soon after the trust vote and asked him to exercise his constitutional duty as the State could not continue with a "minority government."
According to Dr Roy, his former colleagues Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, Manas Chaudhuri, Alexander L Hek, Mining and Donkupar Massar and others would accompany him to New Delhi to file the petition in the Supreme Court.
Central rule: What they say
The Shillong Times on Wednesday talked to a cross-section of citizens and thinkers on the current political crisis in Meghalaya and whether President's rule (PR) is warranted or if it is a pretext to guillotine a democratically-elected government
Prof. (Dr) David Syiemlieh, Department of History, NEHU: President's rule for the second time in Meghalaya shows there is something wrong with the body politic.
The Governor must have used his discretionary powers judiciously in recommending PR. But the haste with which the Central cabinet took the decision shows there is more to this issue than meets the eye. Things had reached a messy state with the suspension of five MLAs, who have since challenged the Speaker's decision in a court of law. There are three things which make PR and suspended animation of the Assembly problematical at this juncture. Firstly, the annual budget is yet to be passed. This will create immediate financial problems for the State. Secondly, the inability of bigger parties to come forward and form a stable government, setting aside their differences. Thirdly, the capability of smaller parties and Independents to hold the government to a ransom should teach the electorate a lesson. The electorate should exercise due caution in electing independents and MLAs from small parties.
Toki Blah, social activist: There is nothing wrong in the imposition of President's rule in the State as long as it is related to providing a stable government. The elected representatives have considerably failed to provide a stable government for growth and development of the State. The main factor responsible for causing this unwarranted scenario is that the State has no vision. The primary objective of MLAs is to contest and win election. They have no objective of developing their constituencies in particular and the State in general. After winning the election, MLAs are busy squabbling for the chairs so they can grab money as much as they can. Everyone is at fault. One side is trying to topple the government and the other wants to stay in power by any means.
Theilin Phanbuh, woman activist: With the democratic government not in place, it will disturb the functioning of not only government departments but also other agencies. Disgruntled legislators are causing unjustifiable political instability in the State. The irresponsible act of such legislators for their personal interests has led to the imposition of President's rule. People should give a clear-cut majority to a major political party so that it can provide a stable and able government. People should restrain themselves from giving their votes to independent candidates and candidates of smaller parties.
Emlang Lyttan, FKJGP president: All the 60 legislators are to blame for the political instability leading to the Constitutional crisis. These legislators always blame NGOs for creating law-and-order problem. In fact, MLAs should be held responsible for this political crisis. The struggle for power by legislators has led to this political crisis, especially at the point when the financial year is nearing.
Agnes Kharshiing, CSWO president: Imposition of President's rule is only a ploy of Congress to be in power. Congress's craze for power became clear after Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma interfered in Meghalaya politics. Congress had never played a constructive role in the Opposition. It was too busy with the strategy to topple the government in the past one year. The Governor should have acted in a neutral manner and should not have been partial towards any political party, even if he is a political appointee.
HP Oflyn Dohling, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong (SRS) general secretary: Imposition of President's rule in the State will serve the interest of those who want to be in power. The Governor made the recommendation for President's rule under political pressure.
City girl selected for Gladrags contest
SHILLONG: According to a press release issued here on Wednesday, a city girl, Delphine Marbaniang has qualified to participate in the Gladrags Mega Model Contest to be held in Mumbai on March 28. She is the only participant to be selected from the North East.
However, in order to secure her success in this contest each contestant is required to achieve some level of popularity through the system of online voting. It has therefore been requested to vote for her at http://www.gladrags.in/vote/megamodel/vote megamodel. php Model No.07 Delphine
One murdered
From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: One person was allegedly killed by a group of people at Shahlang, West Khasi Hills on Wednesday morning. The victim has been identified as Lightsterfield Shangrit of Nongpyndeng near Nongstoin.
Sources said that the incident took place at around 1.30 am when some unidentified persons forcibly pulled Shangrit to a corner of Shahlang market while he was on his way home, and beat him up. He later succumbed to injuries. Police are yet to trace out the culprits.
25 litres of illicit liquor seized: Police on Tuesday apprehended one Thailand Wahlang along with 25 litres of illicit liqour allegedly for selling at Nongbrinongdom near Mawkyrwat, West Khasi Hills.
Truck owners’ body seeks closure of weighbridge
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Operators' Association (MCTOOA) has asked the Syiem of Hima Nongstoin to close down the illegal weighbridge operating at Lai Kilo on the way from Riangdo to Shahlang in West Khasi Hills.
In a statment issued here on Wednesday, the MCTOOA president Augustine Shanpru said that the weighbridge illegally charges Rs 600 per coal loaded truck plying on the Riangdo-Athiabari and Nongstoin road. The operating of the weighbridge at Lai Kilo is daylight robbery and should be immediately closed down, MCTOOA said while asking the Syiem of Hima Nongstoin to remove the weighbridge.
Source: The Shillong Times
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"After taking note of what happened in the Meghalaya Assembly yesterday, Governor RS Mooshahary has reported that there is a breakdown of Constitutional machinery and recommended imposition of President's Rule and keeping the assembly in suspended animation," Home Minister P Chidambaram told reporters after the meeting.
He said the Governor's report was accepted by the Cabinet and a suitable recommendation was being sent to the President.
Aided by Speaker Bindo M Lanong, who exercised his casting vote after invalidating the votes of four rebel members of the ruling coalition, the Dr Donkupar Roy-led MPA Government had on Tuesday survived a confidence vote in the Assembly.
Mr Lanong suspended five MLAs, who withdrew support to the government, under the Anti-Defection Law ignoring the Governor's directive that he maintain status quo of the voting rights of members. He cast his vote when there was a tie of 27:27 in the 60-member House during division.
NCP, the largest partner of MPA and also an important ally of the UPA Government at the Centre, has described the Union Cabinet's decision to impose President's rule in Meghalaya as "most unfortunate." Interestingly, NCP president Sharad Pawar was present in the Cabinet meeting which passed the controversial decision. On the other hand, MP from Shillong constituency and seniormost Union minister from the North-East PR Kyndiah was absent from the meeting since he was away in Shillong.
BJP, a partner of the NCP-led coalition in Meghalya, criticised the UPA Government's decision to impose Central rule even after the MPA Government had proved its majority on the floor of the House.
The political upheaval in Meghalaya already had its echo in AICC with Congress president Sonia Gandhi raising concern over the turn of events in the mercurial state during a meeting with some party leaders here.
Speaking to the reporters after a meeting on Tuesday, NECCC general secretary Shariff Laskar said the party president was very much concerned about the way the trial of strength was carried out in the Meghalaya Assembly. He said Congress leaders were working overtime to ensure that President's rule is imposed in the State and the party comes back to power there.
UNI adds from Shillong: Mr Mooshahary, meanwhile, asked Meghalaya Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee to maintain law and order in the wake of imposition of President's Rule in the State.
Mr Chatterjee, who was summoned, briefed the governor on the prevailing social and political situation in the state.
''He has asked me to ensure that breakdown of law and order in the state does not happen,'' Mr Chatterjee told UNI.
He, however, said the Governor was yet to receive the President's proclamation.
HC issues notice to Lanong
Suspension of MLAs
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court on Wednesday issued notices to outgoing Speaker BM Lanong asking him to explain why the suspension of five MLAs -- Paul Lyngdoh, Lemison Sangma, Ismail Marak, Sanbor Shullai and Dr Adviser Pariong-- from the Assembly ahead of the trust vote should not be quashed.
The Bench headed by Justice T Vaiphei asked Mr Lanong and the other respondents why it should not quash Mr Lanong's order for interim suspension of the MLAs.
The court on Thursday will pronounce its judgement on the petitions filed by KHNAM president Mr Lyngdoh and Independent legislator Mr Sangma seeking stay on the suspension order issued against them by the Speaker.
A hearing was held on Wednesday at the court of Justice Vaiphei who heard both the parties - petitioners and the respondents.
HOUSE SESSION: Meghalaya Assembly on Wednesday witnessed a pandemonium as the Opposition Congress did not allow the House to function in protest against what they called continuation of a "minority government".
As soon as the House commenced this morning, opposition MLAs trooped into the well shouting slogans against the government as well as the Speaker.
"We cannot accept a minority government. The Speaker has denied the rights of the Governor by not following his instructions. We will not associate with the proceedings," Opposition leader D D Lapang said.
They also blamed him for facilitating the "unjustified" victory of the MPA in the trust vote and for suspending the voting right of five legislators including Sanbor Shullai.
"Shame shame. You have murdered democracy" the Congress legislators shouted and continued to disrupt the proceedings of the House for around 20 minutes before staging a walk-out. Meanwhile, Mr Shullai, Paul Lyngdoh, Dr Adviser Pariong, Lemison Sangma and Ismail Marak did not turn up for the session on Wednesday as they had already been barred from entering the House by the Speaker till disposal of their suspension order.
Martle Mukhim to contest LS elections
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meghalaya Democratic Party (MDP) president Martle N Mukhim will fight the coming Lok Sabha election from Shillong constituency on party ticket.
With MDP's decision to field Mr Mukhim as its nominee, the number of candidates for Shillong constituency has gone up to six. The other contestants are John F Kharshiing (UDP), Vincent Pala (Congress), Reverend PBM Basaiawmoit (HSPDP), Dalington Dympep (CPI) and independent Denis Siangshai.
Mr Mukhim was elected to the State Assembly for four consecutive terms before he lost the last State Assembly election to Remington Pyngrope of UDP. He was also the chairman of Regional Parties Alliance (RPA) formed by KHNAM, UDP, MDP and HSPDP ahead of the last Lok Sabha election. RPA candidate Dr S Loniak Marbaniang was, however, defeated by Patty Ripple Kyndiah of Congress in the parliamentary poll.
So far, all the regional parties in Meghalaya -- UDP, HSPDP and MDP -- except KHNAM have decided to put up their candidates for the next Lok Sabha election.
Some political observers have opined that too many candidates of regional parties would only help Congress in the election.
PR unprecedented, unconstitutional: Purno
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: NCP leader and architect of MPA Purno A Sangma on Wednesday expressed surprise over the Centre's decision to recommend President's rule (PR) in the State and termed it as unprecedented and unconstitutional.
"It (recommendation of PR) is unwarranted and unprecedented. There is no constitutional crisis in Meghalaya. The Centre's decision is not as per the Constitution since the MPA Government had won the confidence vote on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday," Mr Sangma said, adding there was no manipulation of the House proceedings during the trust vote.
Assembly session discontinued
Outgoing Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly Bindo M Lanong has said that the budget session of the Assembly stands discontinued, with President's rule in the State recommended and the House placed under suspended animation.
"We can no longer continue the session as we have seen reports that the House has been placed under suspended animation," Mr Lanong said.
Assembly Secretary WM Rymbai said the Assembly Secretariat was awaiting the official order in connection with the Centre's announcement of President's rule.
State gets second PR after 17 years
This is the second time that Meghalaya has been brought under President's rule after a period of 17 years.
The first time President's rule was imposed in the State was on October 11 1991 during the tenure of Governor Madhukar Dighe. The Central rule lasted till February 5 1992.
Congress denies hand
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Congress has denied its role in the Governor's recommendation for imposition of President's rule in the State, saying constitutional breakdown compelled the Centre to take such a step.
"The Union Cabinet has accepted the Governor's recommendation for President's rule owing to the political situation. MPA's greed for power has led to imposition of President's rule in the State," Congress leader DD Lapang said.
Mr Lapang attributed the political crisis in the MPA rank and file to lack of control and management of the coalition partners.
"They (MPA) have ruled the State for 12 months and have shown their true colours to public," he said.
Mr Lapang, however, termed President's rule in the State as unfortunate but said the Centre had no other option.
BJP's Meghalaya unit has also strongly condemned President's rule in the State despite the MPA Government's victory in the floor test on Tuesday.
In a statement issued here, BJP's Meghalaya unit secretary Dipayan Chakraborty termed the imposition of President's rule as murder of democracy.
UDP's Shillong City vice-president HL Massar pulled up Congress and the Governor for conspiring to remove a democratically-elected (MPA) government.
The Communist Party of India (CPI) also deplored the imposition of President's rule in Meghalaya just at a time when the country is going to polls for the Lok Sabha.
According to a party release issued in New Delhi, the party said it was not appreciative of the Governor's report which said there was a breakdown of the constitutional machinery in the state.
Opp against KHADC amendment Bill
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Congres-led Opposition on Wednesday came out openly against the Amendment Bill to increase the number of Executive Members (EMs) of the KHADC Executive Committee from 10 to 11.
Chief Executive Member Dr Celestine Lyngdoh introduced the Khasi Autonomous District (Constitution of District Councils) (Amendment) Rules, 2009 in the House on the first day of the budget session here on Wednesday.
Opposing the Bill, Congress member Mansturdy Nongrem said that the proposed amendment was not necessary "since the Council is facing huge financial constraints".
"I do not see that there is extra burden on any of the EMs since it was seen in the past many of the EMs do not have job to do," he said adding "the Council has also not been able to clear the pending bills of the contractors for the past three to four years".
Mr Nongrem felt the Council could not afford to put extra burden on the council exchequer by appointment of one more EM.
Other Congress MDCs Irin Lyngdoh and Pyngshnainlang Syiem also opposed the proposed Amendment Bill.
Justifying his decision, KHADC CEM Dr Lyngdoh said it was necessary to have one more EMs to ease the work loads on the existing EMs adding that the allotment of three Elaka's of East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi to three various EMs had also increase the responsibilities.
The discussion on the Amendment Bill will be held on March 23. Meanwhile, Rs 8.42 crore vote on account was tabled by KHADC CEM on Wednesday. The proposed amount is for the period of three months that is from April 1 to June 30. The discussion on the vote on account will be held on March 20.
MPA to challenge PR in SC: Dr Roy
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: MPA has decided to move the Supreme Court against the Centre's decision to impose President's rule (PR) in the State.
The non-Congress alliance will complain to the President about Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary's "unconstitutional, politically-motivated and partisan role in destabilising the (MPA) government and encouraging defection of legislators."
A delegation of MPA leaders would visit New Delhi on Thursday to file a petition in the apex court to challenge the Centre's decision to impose President's rule.
"We have decided to challenge the Centre's decision in the Supreme Court," outgoing Chief Minister Dr Donkupar Roy told reporters here after the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Dr Roy attacked Mr Mooshahary for playing a "partisan role" by acting on behalf of Congress while recommending PR.
"It is surprising to see that Congress is trying to turn Raj Bhavan into Congress Bhavan," he said
Stating that members of the MPA Cabinet were displeased with the Governor's role, Dr Roy said MPA would complain to the President, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha LK Advani about Mr Mooshahary's action.
"I respect the Governor and his office, but his partisan role is very unfortunate. I went to the Assembly on the advice of the Governor to seek a vote of confidence. MPA has won the trial of strength on the floor of the House, not in Raj Bhavan," Dr Roy said.
Alleging that Opposition Congress was misusing the Raj Bhavan and the Governor acting on the advice of the Leader of Opposition DD Lapang, the Chief Minister said, "The Governor wanted the Speaker to conduct the proceedings of the House during the trust vote as per the directives of Mr Lapang."
Dr Roy said he came to know of the Centre's decision on President's rule in the State only through national news channel as "no official order in this regard has been sent to the State Government so far."
Sources said the Centre had received a report from the Governor on Tuesday night on the political crisis in the State after the MPA Government's failure to secure a simple majority during the vote of confidence. MPA and Congress-led MUA got 27 votes each. The Speaker broke the tie giving his casting vote in favour of the ruling coalition.
The Governor was learnt to have studied video footage of the proceedings of the trust vote which was sent to him by the Assembly Secretariat on Tuesday evening before sending his report to the Centre.
It may be mentioned here that legislators belonging to MUA and four of the five suspended MLAs met the Governor soon after the trust vote and asked him to exercise his constitutional duty as the State could not continue with a "minority government."
According to Dr Roy, his former colleagues Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, Manas Chaudhuri, Alexander L Hek, Mining and Donkupar Massar and others would accompany him to New Delhi to file the petition in the Supreme Court.
Central rule: What they say
The Shillong Times on Wednesday talked to a cross-section of citizens and thinkers on the current political crisis in Meghalaya and whether President's rule (PR) is warranted or if it is a pretext to guillotine a democratically-elected government
Prof. (Dr) David Syiemlieh, Department of History, NEHU: President's rule for the second time in Meghalaya shows there is something wrong with the body politic.
The Governor must have used his discretionary powers judiciously in recommending PR. But the haste with which the Central cabinet took the decision shows there is more to this issue than meets the eye. Things had reached a messy state with the suspension of five MLAs, who have since challenged the Speaker's decision in a court of law. There are three things which make PR and suspended animation of the Assembly problematical at this juncture. Firstly, the annual budget is yet to be passed. This will create immediate financial problems for the State. Secondly, the inability of bigger parties to come forward and form a stable government, setting aside their differences. Thirdly, the capability of smaller parties and Independents to hold the government to a ransom should teach the electorate a lesson. The electorate should exercise due caution in electing independents and MLAs from small parties.
Toki Blah, social activist: There is nothing wrong in the imposition of President's rule in the State as long as it is related to providing a stable government. The elected representatives have considerably failed to provide a stable government for growth and development of the State. The main factor responsible for causing this unwarranted scenario is that the State has no vision. The primary objective of MLAs is to contest and win election. They have no objective of developing their constituencies in particular and the State in general. After winning the election, MLAs are busy squabbling for the chairs so they can grab money as much as they can. Everyone is at fault. One side is trying to topple the government and the other wants to stay in power by any means.
Theilin Phanbuh, woman activist: With the democratic government not in place, it will disturb the functioning of not only government departments but also other agencies. Disgruntled legislators are causing unjustifiable political instability in the State. The irresponsible act of such legislators for their personal interests has led to the imposition of President's rule. People should give a clear-cut majority to a major political party so that it can provide a stable and able government. People should restrain themselves from giving their votes to independent candidates and candidates of smaller parties.
Emlang Lyttan, FKJGP president: All the 60 legislators are to blame for the political instability leading to the Constitutional crisis. These legislators always blame NGOs for creating law-and-order problem. In fact, MLAs should be held responsible for this political crisis. The struggle for power by legislators has led to this political crisis, especially at the point when the financial year is nearing.
Agnes Kharshiing, CSWO president: Imposition of President's rule is only a ploy of Congress to be in power. Congress's craze for power became clear after Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma interfered in Meghalaya politics. Congress had never played a constructive role in the Opposition. It was too busy with the strategy to topple the government in the past one year. The Governor should have acted in a neutral manner and should not have been partial towards any political party, even if he is a political appointee.
HP Oflyn Dohling, Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong (SRS) general secretary: Imposition of President's rule in the State will serve the interest of those who want to be in power. The Governor made the recommendation for President's rule under political pressure.
City girl selected for Gladrags contest
SHILLONG: According to a press release issued here on Wednesday, a city girl, Delphine Marbaniang has qualified to participate in the Gladrags Mega Model Contest to be held in Mumbai on March 28. She is the only participant to be selected from the North East.
However, in order to secure her success in this contest each contestant is required to achieve some level of popularity through the system of online voting. It has therefore been requested to vote for her at http://www.gladrags.in/vote/megamodel/vote megamodel. php Model No.07 Delphine
One murdered
From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: One person was allegedly killed by a group of people at Shahlang, West Khasi Hills on Wednesday morning. The victim has been identified as Lightsterfield Shangrit of Nongpyndeng near Nongstoin.
Sources said that the incident took place at around 1.30 am when some unidentified persons forcibly pulled Shangrit to a corner of Shahlang market while he was on his way home, and beat him up. He later succumbed to injuries. Police are yet to trace out the culprits.
25 litres of illicit liquor seized: Police on Tuesday apprehended one Thailand Wahlang along with 25 litres of illicit liqour allegedly for selling at Nongbrinongdom near Mawkyrwat, West Khasi Hills.
Truck owners’ body seeks closure of weighbridge
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Operators' Association (MCTOOA) has asked the Syiem of Hima Nongstoin to close down the illegal weighbridge operating at Lai Kilo on the way from Riangdo to Shahlang in West Khasi Hills.
In a statment issued here on Wednesday, the MCTOOA president Augustine Shanpru said that the weighbridge illegally charges Rs 600 per coal loaded truck plying on the Riangdo-Athiabari and Nongstoin road. The operating of the weighbridge at Lai Kilo is daylight robbery and should be immediately closed down, MCTOOA said while asking the Syiem of Hima Nongstoin to remove the weighbridge.
Source: The Shillong Times
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