Opposition protests, CEM survives

SHILLONG, JUNE 22: The PN Syiem led PDF Executive Committee in the KHADC today escaped a No-confidence motion after opposition parties staged a walkout of the House accusing the Chairman of bending the rules for “convenience of someone”.

The No-confidence motion was moved by the Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) parliamentary party leader and former Council chairperson Teilinia S Thangkhiew during the summer session here on Thursday.

Council Chairman LG Nongsiej admitted the NC after 11 opposition members rose from their seats in support of the motion.

However when the Chairman announced that the NC will only be taken up after the Question Hour, none from the opposition side had objected.

It was only later when the Chairman asked Thangkhiew to move the motion she objected on the ground that there was no order paper, which was immediately placed before her table.

She then moved that – “this House do now expressed its want of confidence against the executive committee under the leadership of Pynshngain N Syiem”.

Again when the Chairman asked her to initiate discussion, Thangkhiew while referring to Rule 71 (2) of the AD Rules, said that the NC should be taken up after the passing of the Budget.

As per rule, she said – “If the chairman is of the opinion that the motion is in order, he shall read the motion to the Council and shall request those members who are in favour of leave being granted, to rise in their places and, it not less than one-fourth of the members present rise accordingly, the chairman shall ultimate that leave is granted and that the motion will be taken on such day, not being more than two days and not less than twenty-four hours from the time at which leave is asked for, as he may appoint.”

At a time when the KHADC chief PN Syiem tried to intervene by saying that the member has moved the motion and there is no other option but to initiate discussion, Thangkhiew stopped him and requested the Chairman to use his chair and give his ruling.

Quoting the Rules, Nongsiej said since there is exigency to pass the Budget, it would be better if the NC is taken up to avoid a situation where an EC with minority has to pass the Budget.

As per the Rule 71 (2) – it also stated, “Provided that if exigencies of business required, the chairman shall have power to relax the rule and take up the motion earlier than twenty-fourth hours.”

When Thangkhiew contented that the NC be taken up tomorrow being the last day of the session after passing of the Budget, the Chairman said that she has to initiate discussion as it was already agreed earlier.

Stating that the members are governed by the Rules, the KHADC CEM defended the ruling of the Chairman by saying that he (Nongsiej) has the power to relax if there is an exigency.

“I as the leader of the House if I have lost the confidence, I feel that the EC has no moral right to pass the Budget. Therefore the NC has to be initiated before passing of the Budget,” he said.

The CEM however urged the Chairman to use his wisdom if the opposition fails to initiate the discussion to see how many have lost their confidence on the leadership.

Congress member and Leader of Opposition Manstudy Nongrem, while backing Thangkhiew, said what will happen if the Executive Committee collapses before the passing of the Budget.

When the Chairman stick to his ruling, an agitated Thangkhiew accused him of bending the rules for the convenience of the EC and announced to walkout of the House as a mark of protest.

“As a mark of protest against the Chairman for bending the rules for the convenience of someone, I decided to walkout of the House,” she said.

Soon after this, all the opposition members from the Congress, Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP), United Democratic Party (UDP) and the lone Independent MDC from Sohryngkham also staged a walkout in protest without initiating discussion on the NC.

As the opposition members were moving out, the CEM was shouted saying “shame-shame…it is because you do not have the number admit it.” He also alleged the members of the regional parties of being “agents of the Congress”.

Estrange UDP member from Nongkrem Hispreaching Son Shylla, who is now supporting the ruling People Democratic Forum (PDF), also hailed the ruling of the Chairman.