Shillong, September 8: Senior most NPP legislator from Resubelpara, Timothy D Shira said he has tendered his resignation as Assembly deputy speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly based on the directive of his party high command.
Speaking to media persons today, Shira informed that he received a call from Chief Minister Conrad Sangma late at night on Sunday, instructing him to resign, which he did without questioning the decision.
“I don’t have any further comment on that because I have tendered my resignation as per direction of the party high command and what I am asked to do I have done. So it depends on the wisdom of the CM whether he asks me to sit somewhere or go somewhere that also I don’t know,” he said. Shira emphasized his commitment to party discipline, stating that as a party man, he could not refuse the chief minister’s request.
Also read Ibobi Slams Governor’s “Partisan” Meet, Says PM’s Manipur Visit Mere Gesture Without Action
“I have full trust in the chief minister. I cannot say no because he is my favourite chief minister,” the veteran political leader said. Shira said, “No, I am not angry. I am quite satisfied (with the decision).” Shira remained uncertain about potential inclusion in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle, noting that such decisions are at the chief minister’s discretion. “I don’t know as that also is the prerogative of the CM. I don’t know whether I will be accommodated (in the cabinet) or I will be thrown away or I will be sent somewhere else,” he said. “I don’t know whom they will nominate as deputy speaker, it is not within my knowledge. Since I don’t know, I won’t give any suggestions,” Shira concluded.
Deputy Speaker election on September 12
Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma today accepted the resignation of Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira.
Sangma convened an emergency meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC), which has decided that the election for the new Deputy Speaker will be held on September 12.
Also read At 57, Scholar-Athlete Dr Achingliu Kamei Finds Strength on the Hyrox India Podium
“I have received the letter of resignation from deputy speaker Timothy D Shira and accordingly I have accepted it and immediately I had called for an emergent meeting of the BAC to decide and review the calendar of this ongoing autumn session, whereas when can we elect the new deputy speaker. The BAC has decided that the election of the new deputy speaker will take place on the last day of the autumn session,” the Speaker told reporters after the session.
Shira had informed that he received instructions from the party high command to step down.
The Speaker refrained from commenting further on the matter, stating that it is for the party leadership to decide on who they will nominate for the post of deputy speaker.
(Newmai News Network)