Former Chief Minister Donkupar Roy of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government (2008-09) has been elected as the Assembly Speaker after receiving 35 out of 56 votes cast. The election for the post was held on Monday.
He defeated Congress legislator Winnerson D Sangma who managed to muster the support of 20 MLA’s, who are all the 20 congress representatives. It may be mentioned that one vote has been considered invalid.
This will be the first time for the UDP chief to serve as the Speaker of the Assembly. He has served as the chief minister of the state and also leader of the Opposition.
Roy, the longest serving legislator, was also the President of United Democratic Party, which is the key partner in the National People’s Party-led government.