SHILLONG, Dec 21? That all is not well in the DD Lapang-led MDA coalition government in Meghalaya was thoroughly exposed today when it failed to get the Contingency Fund of Meghalaya (Amendment) Bill, 2004, passed in the House despite its majority position.
Yesterday, it had suffered a major humiliation when a private member?s resolution, moved by HS Lyngdoh of HSPDP, an ally of the ruling coalition, opposing the governments plan to shift the State Assembly building to Mawdiangdiang in the city outskirts was adopted in the House by a voice vote.
Former Home Minister and Congress MLA, RG Lyngdoh strongly opposed taking up of the Contingency Bill which was introduced yesterday, on the ground that the bill was in violation of rules and procedures of the House. He contended ?The manner in which the bill is being brought is violative of rules and procedures of the House. We as elected members of the House are accountable to the public and must uphold the rules which are sacrosanct.?
Pleas by Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Donkupar Roy, who holds the Finance portfolio, that no wrong was done as same procedure, as in the past had been adopted cut no ice with a belligerant RG Lyngdoh. ?Wrongs in the past cannot justify its perpetuation,? he retorted.
P M Syiem, MDA member and E K Sangma of Opposition NCP also supported the contention of R G Lyngdoh and demanded that the Bill be brought again after rectifying it. ?If necessary, the House could be extended by a day to give sufficient time to the Finance Minister to table Bill,? he suggested. Even Chief Minister D D Lapang?s intervention threatening that the government would have no alternative but to go for an ordinance if the Bill is not allowed to be passed,?
?The leader of the House should maintain the decorum, honour and dignity of the House,? Lyngdoh said while still opposing the Bill.
Finding no alternative, Speaker M M Danggo ruled, ?since members have objections to the Bill, it will be moved in the session after making necessary corrections.? He also adjourned the House sine-die bringing the winter session of the House to an abrupt end atleast two hours before the scheduled close today.
However, the MDA sources said, ?It is hightime the party big wigs started to address the rumbling in the government before it is too late.? In the meantime, dissidents in the MDA are reported to be lobbying for a change in leadership. Some have even projected State Congres president and former Chief Minister Salseng C Marak as an alternative.