MPA Government survives confidence vote in Meghalaya

Shillong, Mar 17 (ANI): Meghalaya Progressive Alliance (MPA) Government survived confidence vote with Speaker B M Lanong casting vote in favour of Donkupar Roy ministry.

Hours before the floor test, Speaker Lanong placed under interim suspension the five MLAs, who had deserted the ruling MPA coalition.

Show-cause notices were served to all the five based on complaints either from their parties or from the MPA for violating the party or the coalition whips.

The MPA had lost its majority after two independent candidates Limison Sangma and Ismail R Marak - and the lone MLA from Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) Paul Lyngdoh pulled out on March 9.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Governor Dr. R. S. Mossahari asked the State Assembly to record the proceedings of vote of confidence in the government to ensure transparency.

Twelve Congress MLA have moved a motion asking for the removal of the Speaker Lanong. It was supported by over 26 members of the Congress led opposition.

Lanong informed the Assembly that Mossahari had sent the directive to him on Sunday evening for the second time, asking him to ensure video recording of the proceedings, and maintain status quo in regard to rights of speech, among others instructions.

Earlier, Mossahari had issued the same directive on March 13.

Lanong also said that he had sought legal opinion from the states Advocate-General G S Massar on the issue.

UDP MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit threatened to disrupt proceedings of the House alleging blatant interference from the Governor on the Speaker's functioning.

The Congress moved a resolution for removal of the Speaker, alleging that the Speaker was acting in a partial manner and was intimidating the Opposition legislators.

The Speaker said the resolution would be taken up in the House on March 27. (ANI)