Opposition withdraws no-confidence motion after marathon debate in Meghalaya

Opposition parties in Meghalaya withdrew the no-confidence motion tabled against the Congress government after a marathon 6 hour-long debate.

"The no-confidence motion is withdrawn with the leave of the House," Speaker Abu Taher Mondal said after the debate.

Mondal said he has never seen that a no confidence motion was withdrawn.

Opposition Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) chief Ardent M Basaiawmoit, who moved the motion along with two other regional parties, withdrew the motion following a 2-hour long reply from Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

Ardent, however, said the Opposition succeeded in its plan to draw the attention of the Government on the issues concerning people.

The HSPDP chief said the party's intention was not to topple the government but the motion was a means to get the attention of the government in debating burning issues.

HSPDP, United Democratic Party and National Peoples Party moved the no confidence motion for its 'failure' on the fronts of development, law & order and financial management.

In his reply, Sangma said the state's fiscal health is better than its neighbouring states of the region.

Assuring the opposition that the issues they have raised will be addressed, Sangma informed the parties on the steps taken by the government to resolve the ban on coal mining imposed by the National Green Tribunal.

The department of Industry has been tasked to set up Entrepreneurship Incubation Centres in rural areas, in which the strength of state lies, he said.

Earlier during the debate, the Opposition lambasted the government on issues like crimes against women and children which is rising in the state.

There was also heated debate between the ruling and opposition members during the course of debate.

Speaking against the motion, former chief minister and chief adviser to the government DD Lapang, however, admitted the the issues raised by the opposition were important.

"They have raised valid suggestions and I appeal to the state government to take note on the matter," Lapang said.

He also reminded the opposition to appreciate the government in improving the law and order scenario in militancy hit Garo Hills.