Mukul refers to Feb 18 debate, says it’s disregard for rules

Shillong, Feb 19: Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma urged Speaker Thomas A. Sangma on Thursday to expunge portions of the February 18 question hour where there was a kerfuffle between him and the chief minister over the ILP issue.

Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma addressed Mukul directly, asking him not to interfere when he was replying. As per the code of conduct, Conrad should have addressed the chair and not the member of the House directly.

Raising a point of order, Mukul said the incident reflected a growing disregard for Assembly procedure.

“Over the preceding sessions, I have observed a tendency among some distinguished members that reflects complete disregard for the provisions of the rules of procedure and conduct of business,” he told the House.

“During question hour yesterday (on February 18), the chief minister should have addressed the chair. He directly said, ‘Don’t interfere.’ This is a complete deviation from the rules. Every member — even while replying — must address the chair and not the members directly. There is a tendency, particularly among cabinet members, to look at the questioner and address them directly. This is completely against our procedures,” he added.

He urged the Speaker to remove the remarks from the record and said, “I submit through you, Mr Speaker, that you take cognizance of my grievance. I am the senior-most member of this House, elected seven times. We have always ensured that business is governed by rules, and that is why this House takes pride in its dignity and decorum.”

The Speaker responded briefly and assured to do so.

Conrad welcomed the suggestion and agreed that rules must be applied to all members. “He is a very senior member, and I will learn from this. Whatever decision you take, Mr Speaker, the rules of procedure should be followed. It is a positive suggestion, and I take it positively,” he said.