ITANAGAR, July 20 - Technocrat/bureaucrat-turned-politician Tenzing Norbu Thongdok was today unanimously elected as Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly a day after the incumbent Nabam Rebia resigned from the post.
A two-time legislator from Kalaktang Assembly constituency in West Kameng district, 66-year-old Thongdok was previously holding the post of Deputy Speaker during the Nabam Tuki regime. He was later inducted as the Minister of Power (Electrical) in the Kalikho Pul Government for about four-and-half months.
The motion for election of the new Speaker was supported by all members of the House, the effective strength of which stands at 58. Governor Tathagata Roy had yesterday issued an order to summon the House session today.
Congratulating Thongdok for his election, Chief Minister Pema Khandu exuded confidence that he would maintain the dignity of the House and uphold the democratic values while discharging his duties as the Speaker.
Former Chief Minister Nabam Tuki termed the newly elected Speaker as the most experienced and deserving person. Asking all members of the House to adopt the policy of �forget and forgive� keeping the State�s interest above all, Tuki said, �It�s time for reconciliation, reconstruction and the time for beginning a new era of development�.
Leader of Opposition Tamiyo Taga also congratulated Thongdok on being elevated to the Speaker�s post.
Reciprocating the members� appreciations, Thongdok assured that he will uphold the dignity and rights of the House by providing equal opportunity to all the members. He further vowed to be impartial.
Before adjourning the House session sine die, the Speaker sought the members� support and cooperation for running the business of the House smoothly and
efficiently.
