The Congress today staged a noisy walk-out from the Assembly, alleging murder of democracy, a day after the ruling NCP-led Meghalaya Progressive Alliance survived a crucial trust vote.
As soon as the House commenced this morning, opposition MLAs trooped into the well shouting slogans against the government as well as the Speaker.
ALSO READ: President's Rule to be imposed in Meghalaya
"We cannot accept a minority government. The Speaker has denied the rights of the Governor by not following his instructions. We will not associate with the proceedings," Opposition leader D D Lapang said.
The Congress members disrupted the proceedings while Congress MLA R V Lyngdoh also declined to go ahead with his question that was slated for the question hour.
Yesterday, the casting vote of Speaker B M Lanong saved the ruling MPA as both the ruling and the Opposition got 27 votes each after five MLAs, who had deserted the ruling alliance, were denied voting rights following their interim disqualification.
Soon after the drama, the opposition MLAs rushed to Raj Bhavan and lodged a protest with the Governor alleging that the Speaker violated the Governors directives by suspending the five MLAs and denying their voting rights.
More From This Section
Rebuking the Speaker for suspending the five MLAs, Congress MLA Mukul Sangma said, "It's murder of democracy. The Speaker's attitude is partial. Its illegal, unconstitutional. The Speaker has no right to continue in office."
The Speaker, however, maintained that the government still enjoyed a simple majority and there was no reason for the pandemonium.
Lapang demanded dismissal of the government, saying it has lost majority and the Opposition cannot recognise it. The Speaker, however, maintained that the government still enjoyed a simple majority and there was no reason for the pandemonium.