MPA unhappy with Lapang's decision on Speaker election

Shillong, Mar 17 (UNI) The Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) today expressed unhappiness with the action of Chief Minister D D Lapang for not agreeing with the earlier suggestion made by Protem Speaker Hoping Stone Lyngdoh to hold the Assembly Speaker's election on March 18 a day before the trial of strength in the House.

Talking to reporters, NCP MLA P A Sangma said as per convention, the job of the Protem Speaker was only to administer the oath of secrecy to Legislators besides facilitating the election of the Speaker.

'' According to conventions followed in the country, the Speaker should preside over the trial of strength, '' Mr Sangma said.

The former Lok Sabha Speaker said he would raise the issue in the floor of the Assembly on March 19 against the decision of Mr Lapang if the Protem Speaker allowed for a debate.

However, Mr Sangma said there was nothing unconstitutional in the Protem Speaker presiding over the trial of strength.

UNI RRK MSJ RS2153