Shillong, March 9: Thomas A. Sangma was sworn in as the Speaker of the 11th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly on Thursday, after being elected to the post unopposed.
Sangma took the Oath to Office and Secrecy at the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly’s Hall, which was attended by several dignitaries and MLAs.
Speaking on the occasion, the MLAs congratulated the new Speaker and exhibited confidence that with his vast experience and knowledge, Sangma will do justice to the post of the Speaker.
Thomas A Sangma, a former Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, has been in politics for over a decade. He has also served as a Cabinet Minister in the Meghalaya government.
Sangma’s appointment as Speaker comes after the resignation of former Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh following the end of the 10th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly’s tenure.
Sangma’s nomination was approved unanimously by the members of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance-II (MDA) coalition.
The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly has a total of 59 members, out of which the MDA-II has a majority with 45 seats. Election to 1 seat has been postponed due to the sudden death of HDR Lyngdoh who was also contesting for this election.
During the swearing in ceremony an obituary message from all the MLAs was also read for the two politicians who passed away recently, HDR Lyngdoh and AH Scott Lyngdoh.
The new Speaker’s role is crucial in maintaining the decorum and smooth functioning of the Assembly.
