New Delhi: The ruling National People’s Party-led MDA coalition on Thursday elected Thomas A Sangma as the speaker of the 11th Meghalaya Assembly.

The Meghalaya Democratic Alliance 2.0 government led by Conrad Sangma’s NPP had taken oath earlier this week. Out of 60 total seats, MDA has support of 45 MLAs of which 26 are from NPP, 11 MLAs from the United Democratic Party (UDP), and Two members each of BJP, the Hill State People’s party (HSPDP), and People’s Democratic Front (PDF). Two independent legislators also extended their support to MDA 2.0.

NPP’s Thomas Sangma, a former Rajya Sabha member was elected unopposed as Congress, TMC, and other political parties did not field any candidate against him.

Protem Speaker Timothy D Shira said, “since only one nomination has been received for the post of speaker, I hereby declare Thomas A Sangma as Speaker of the Assembly.”

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and MDA members had extended their wishes to newly elected speaker Thomas Sangma.

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