Opposition Walkout Over Alleged Hate Speech in Meghalaya Assembly

The Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) walked out of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly after Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira permitted Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma to reply to a discussion on teacher appointments. The VPP accused Sangma of hate speech during the Lok Sabha campaign and demanded a response from higher officials.

Tensions flared in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly as members of the Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) walked out in protest. The situation escalated when Deputy Speaker Timothy D Shira allowed Education Minister Rakkam A Sangma to respond to a discussion about teacher appointments in Garo Hills.

The VPP, led by Ardent Basaiawmoit, accused Sangma of making hate speeches during the Lok Sabha election campaign. They demanded that either Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma or one of the Deputy Chief Ministers should respond instead, citing violations of BNSS regulations.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong defended the procedural decision, cautioning against discussing personal charges in the legislative assembly. Tynsong proposed that the issue be resolved legally, noting that an FIR had already been lodged against Sangma. He emphasized the importance of adhering to parliamentary rules and avoiding personal accusations in the House.

(With inputs from agencies.)