Abu Taher Mondal first non-tribal Speaker of Meghalaya

After electing Abu Taher Mondal, as the first Speaker from the minority non-tribal population, Meghalaya legislators wished that the cause of tribal people would be suitably “trumpeted” at different platforms of the country and abroad.

It is for the first time that a legislator from the non-tribal minority population was elected as the Speaker after the creation of the state in 1972. Meghalaya has a predominately Christian tribal population.

Incidentally, Mondal, who is a structural engineer by profession, is the lone non-tribal representative from the Congress in this 9th Meghalaya Legislative Assembly having 60 members. He now has become the 15th Speaker of Meghalaya Assembly.

Mondal first created history in 1998 when he was inducted in BB Lyngdoh’s ministry as the first non-tribal minister.

 “You represent the tribals of the state. People should know the tribals of the state through you,” former Chief Minister and United Democratic Party (UDP) president, Donkupar Roy said while felicitating the Speaker. Others expressed similar views:

“We need a non-tribal trumpeter for the tribals,” women legislator and former Urban affairs minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh said.

Incidentally, four Hill State People’s Democratic Party legislators abstained from the election opposing Mondal’s nomination from the non-tribal community for the Speaker’s post. They wanted a tribal from the state instead.

Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that the election has proved that “Meghalaya provides space for everyone, irrespective of caste creed or religion.” Sangma, believed to be close to Mondal, said other regional parties like the UDP were consulted on the election and they have agreed not to put up their candidate and so the Speaker was elected unopposed.

Other senior legislators like former Chief Ministers, DD Lapang and SC Marak congratulating Mondal and urged that the he would remain impartial and would uphold the dignity of the Assembly. “Meghalaya Assembly is known for its high level of dignity, decorum and discipline, please maintain the same,” Marak said.

Meanwhile, in his maiden address to the House as the Speaker, Mondal said, he would represent the state keeping the interest of all section of the people, especially the tribals, into consideration.  Stating that he was “deeply overwhelmed” by the support of the legislators, Mondal said that he would endeavour to protect and maintain the traditional interest, privileges and independence of the House.

Later, he told reporters that he would like to see that the Meghalaya Assembly gets its permanent complex during his term and said he would begin on the work immediately. The old Meghalaya Assembly was gutted in 2001 and since then the Assembly has been functioning from temporary locations.