Imphal, March 12: The Indian National Congress MLA representing Saikot Assembly constituency, TN Haokip, was today elected as the 14th Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly. The election, held in the later afternoon at the state Assembly hall, ran along expected lines with Haokip, the Ruling front candidate, securing 36 votes and his lone opponent, O Joy Singh of the Democratic People?s Alliance, securing 24 votes. The only hiccup to the proceedings was an objection raised by the Opposition candidate to one of the nominations filed on TN Haokip?s behalf, on the grounds that it had a technical defect. The pro-tem Speaker, RK Dorendro, however okayed the Haokip?s candidature after another set of nomination papers was found valid. The election went ahead by secret ballot after Joy declined to withdraw his candidature. After the pro-tem Speaker declared TN Haokip elected as Speaker, the latter was conducted to the Speaker?s chair by the leader of the House, O Ibobi Singh, and Thoubal MLA L Tomba. Hailing TN Haokip?s election as Speaker, several Ruling and Opposition MLAs recalled the hardship created due to the arbitrary exercise of power by some previous Speakers, and urged Haokip to keep in mind the dignity and decorum of the House, and act without fear and favor. Following the election of Speaker, the House business advisory committee has been constituted, with O Ibobi, Ph Parijat, RK Dorendro and L Tomba as members. Three members are still to be appointed, but with the deputy Speaker still to be elected and the expansion of the Council of ministers still pending, it was decided to leave it for later.
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Source: The Sangai Express