SHILLONG, June 25: The B B Lyndoh Ministry in Meghalaya earned a fresh lease of life as a no-confidence motion was withdrawn by the Opposition Congress-led United Meghalaya Parliamentary Forum (UMPF) following its defeat in the election for Deputy Speaker.The UMPF withdrew the motion after Congress nominee ED Marak lost 28-30 to RL Tariang of the ruling coalition United Parliamentary Forum (UPF).Opposition Peoples Democratic Movement member Elstone Roy Kharkonger was not present in the House, while the voting right of former Minister Maysalin War of the Hill State Peoples Democratic Party, a constituent of the UPF, was suspended by Speaker EK Mawlong.
CB Marak of the Congress said the motion was being withdrawn following defeat of its nominee. War, along with her party colleague and PWD Minister Tuberline had quit the Lyndoh Ministry on June 17 prompting the Opposition to move a no-confidence motion. The two switched their loyalty back to the ruling coalition on June 22.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.