Northeast Desk, 29th August: In a dramatic turn of events, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) staged a walkout from the Meghalaya Assembly on Thursday, protesting Education Minister Rakkam Sangma’s response during a half-hour discussion on the contentious appointment of teachers in Dadenggre Sub Division. The discussion, initiated by MLA Ardent Basaiawmoit, quickly escalated when the VPP leader demanded action against Sangma for allegedly making hate speech that could incite communal tensions between the Khasi and Garo communities during the Tura Lok Sabha election campaign.
As Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira permitted the Education Minister to address the discussion, Basaiawmoit, along with three other VPP legislators, voiced their disapproval by standing up and walking out, chanting “shame, shame.” Before leaving the Assembly, Basaiawmoit firmly stated that he would not listen to the Education Minister, claiming that Sangma’s speech violated Rule 196 of the BNSS by promoting enmity between the communities. He further warned that if the government allowed the minister to reply, they would stage a walkout to prevent any potential clashes.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong intervened, pointing out that the Assembly rules prohibit personal attacks against members and suggested that the legal process should be allowed to run its course, as an FIR had already been filed against Sangma by the VPP. Tynsong criticized the VPP for bringing personal grievances into the Assembly, asserting that the House should operate according to the rules.
Subsequently, the Speaker moved to expunge the remarks made by Ardent Basaiawmoit against Rakkam Sangma, aiming to de-escalate the situation. However, the incident underscored the growing tensions within the state’s political landscape, with the VPP’s protest highlighting deep-seated concerns over the alleged divisive rhetoric in Meghalaya’s politics.
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