Sangma quits LS for new role in Meghalaya

Shillong, Mar 10: Former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma today resigned as member of the 14th Lok Sabha after being elected as an MLA in the 60-member Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on March 8.

The nine-time MP told to the sources here that he had faxed his resignation letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chatterjee. Mr Sangma, who won the just concluded eighth Assembly elections from his hometown Tura, said his decision to return to state politics was to ensure all round development in the state.

The NCP leader, who was instrumental in the formation of the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) to prevent the Congress from returning to power, said his role now was to act as a 'liaison' between the state and Union governments for the state's development.

''I will be a philosopher and guide to the MPA. 31 years in Parliament and 15 years serving in different union ministries will help me develop Meghalaya,'' Mr Sangma asserted. The NCP's chief ministerial candidate said he would also help the state garner funds from financial agencies, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, for Meghalaya's development.

Asked how confident was he of the MPA completing its five-year term, he said all the 31 MLAs of the combine had pledged and prayed before God to remain united and give a stable government for five years.

UNI