Mangaibou unanimous choice for Manipur Deputy Speaker

IMPHAL, March 23: Speaker S Dhananjoy today announced Z Mangaibou as the unanimous choice of the House for the post of Deputy Speaker. Announcing his name Speaker Dhananjoy informed the House that Mangaibou had submitted three nomination papers. Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam proposed the name of Mangaibou in the first nomination paper and was seconded by Law Minister O Joy. All the three nomination papers were found valid. Soon after the announcement of the name of Mangaibou, Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam and lone Opposition member Rishang Keishing escorted Mangaibou to the Deputy Speaker's chair. Congratulating Mangaibou, Rishang Keishing expressed firm hope that young man would execute his duty as Deputy Speaker without any bias or favour according to democratic ethos and principles. Rishang however said the treasury bench had violated tradition as Mangaibou was elevated to the Deputy Speaker's chair without consulting the Opposition. The veteran political figure also said it would be in the fitness of things if a complete stop was put to the undesirable practise of placating MLAs who were not inducted in the Council of Ministers with the posts of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam also expressed deep satisfaction over the elevation of Mangaibou to the post of Deputy Speaker. He admitted that the Opposition was not consulted about the matter and expressed profound regret. Koijam also assured the House that the Govemment will take good care of Tamei constituency. Mangaibou thanked the members of the House for reposing their faith in him. He assured that he will uphold the dignity and integrity of the House.