NEW DELHI: The unanimous election of former Union Minister Purno Agitok Sangmiaas the now Speaker of the Lok Sabha fast week raised hope among members of all political parties that it would help end the sense of ‘alienation among the people of Northeastern states. Sangma is an MP from: Meghalaya and a tribal Christian.

Sangms was escorted to the Speaker’s chair by, among others, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and Leader of the Opposition P.V, Narasimha Rao afters motion for his election was carried by resounding “ayes” in a voice vote. The motion was moved by Murasoli Maran (DMK).

This is the first ime that a leader from other than the ruling party has been elected as the Speaker, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) avoided what could have been the first trial of Strength in the House and overwhelmingly endorsed Sangma, the combined choice of the Congress and the United Front, for the top post. Suid Vajpayce: “It is ‘a measure of your popularity that # unanimous decision has been Laken despite political differences.” However, what dominated the members’ tributes to the new Speaker was that his election would send right signals to North East states.

Vajpayee stated North East is an important part of the country but somehow there is a feeling that it is being neglected. The feeling is that it is not only far off from Delhi but also from “dil” (heart), your election will help remove that impression.”

 

Somnath Chatterjee (CPIM) said his feeling 45a member himself from astern parts of the country was: “Today we have come into the reckoning.” Sharad Yadav Vantaa Dal) said Sangma*salivation would strengthen national Unity.

Veteran Parliamentarian Indrajit Gupta opined: “The people of North East are filled with happiness and pride…@ tribute to the federal spirit of the country.” Molayam Singh Yadav (Samajwadi Dul) remarked: “You belong to North East where there is a feeling of alienation. Now the people of the region ‘will realize that they matter in India.” Chita Basu (Forward Block) said: “The people of North East will now realize that India needs them and they need India.”

G.M, Banatwalla (Muslim League) said; “Your election reflects the unity and integrity of the country. The minorities also rejoice today.” Madhavrao Scindia (Madhya Pradesh Vikas Congress) profusely praised Sangma: “Your tenure as the Speaker will strengthen the unity of the country.”

Members from the North East were simply overwhelmed. Keshab Mahanta (AGP) expressed the view:” Today is the most significant day for the North East region.” Echoed Jayanta Rongpi (Autonomous State Demand Committees):”On behalf of each and every individual of the North East, I congratulate you. ‘Your unanimous election will make every individual of North East proud. You were the first tribal Union Minister of India; you are the first tribal Speaker of India. You have six double crowns; it is 4 fantastic visual achievements.”

Addressing the members, Sent an urged them to lend to the House the sanctity of a place of worship and produce optimum results in terms of Legislation.

Replying to felicitations of ‘aah bers from all sections of the House in his unanimous election, Sangma s that there was need to have “de! Without rancor and compromise with dignity, apart from dissension with.

He said that he had always been guided by the principles of transparency and impartiality in his act and these would continue to be his guiding beacons.

Sangma today called on the President Dr, Shankere Dayal Sharma. It was described as “Courtesy call.”

Article extracted from this publication >>  May 29, 1996