Shira elected as Assembly’s deputy speaker

SHILLONG, MAR 21: Former deputy chief minister and senior-most legislator Timothy D Shira was today elected as the deputy speaker of the tenth Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.

Shira (68) of the ruling NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, defeated opposition Congress candidate David A Nongrum during the election held here on Wednesday.

The NPP legislator from Resubelpara was also voted by one of the two members who were neither in the ruling nor in the opposition side when he secured 36 out of 57 votes while one vote was counted as invalid.

The two include lone Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) legislator from North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum and Independent MLA from Mawphlang SK Sunn. Nongrum had earlier skipped the Speaker’s election.

Announcing the results, Speaker Donkupar Roy said, “I hereby declare that Timothy Shira is elected as the deputy speaker of the tenth Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.”

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma also escorted the newly elected deputy speaker to his seat arranged next to the seat of the leader of opposition.

Speaking at the felicitation ceremony, Conrad said, “The tenth assembly is fortunate to have two senior persons, one is the Speaker and the other is the deputy speaker. I know we are in save hands.”

Congratulating the newly elected deputy speaker, he said that Shira required no introduction as he has been elected a number of times to the Assembly and is the senior most member of the present House.

Shira, a former government official, joined politics in 1978, was also the deputy chief minister when the present Speaker was the then chief minister of the state in 2008. He was also a former cabinet minister and also a former member of the GHADC.

“With his entire experience, it will bring a lot of values into the seat of the deputy speaker and we are sure that he will ensure this house runs in a free and fair manner,” he said.

Also introducing Shira as a renowned entrepreneur from Garo Hills, Conrad said like the leader of opposition, Shira is also a farmer even as he jokingly added by them sitting close to each other, they will share more about farming than about politics.

In his speech, Mukul said that Shira is one among the few in the western part who have contested a number of elections for at least about eight times.

“He never gives up and he manages to come back again. It is a privilege to meet someone who is connected to farming and I hope the distribution of pumpkins have also gives him lots of votes (this time),” he said.

Extending his best wishes to Shira, the leader of opposition also assured him of necessary cooperation and support from all the members.

Addressing as newly elected deputy speaker, Shira assured members of the house to try his level best to discharge his duty and try to be worth of the trust they have given him by doing justice to all.

Stating that political life may not be smooth, he told young members that they should not be disappointed but to try and try again.

“I start contesting elections since 1978 till today and I was defeated on several occasion but I have strong determination that I will defeat you (his opponent),” he said.

Shira also reminded the legislators that they are elected for a purpose and they should try to understand the people and their needs.

“My advice to young friends is we should be faithful to the people and they should be patience and always have strong determination to serve the people,” he said while also giving them tips on physical health.

Earlier while participating at the felicitation ceremony, former Assembly Speaker and Congress leader Charles Pyngrope said, “I pray to God that the senior leader have the strength and wisdom to serve this house with the best of his ability.”

On a lighter note, Pyngrope while also congratulating his son David for contesting the election said, “I am sorry as a father I can’t help him this time but may God also grant you speed so that you are able to contribute to the state.”

Two former deputy speakers – BJP MLA from South Shillong Sanbor Shullai and Congress MLA from Ranikor MM Danggo – were also among the members who also extended their wishes to Shira.

By Our Reporter