Newly elected Gambegre MLA attends assembly’s autumn session
Shillong, Sep 8: Newly elected NPP legislator Dr Mehtab Chandee A Sangma, who took her seat in the assembly on the first day of autumn session Monday, has advocated for more women joining politics.
“I hope that with my presence here more and more women will be encouraged to join politics,” the Gambegre told reporters on Monday.
Lamenting the poor representation of women in politics, she said, “We have seen that women representation in politics has always been very less…I feel very honoured here today being a woman and being in this august House.”
On her first-day experience, she said, “It is a privilege and an honour to be representing my constituency… I have a lot to learn. (I will) still see the proceeding and how the House runs.”
Meanwhile, Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma welcomed the new legislator to the Assembly, saying, “We welcome you mam to this august House.”
Dr Mehtab, who is also the wife of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, was elected in a by-election held in November last year, defeating Sadhiarani Sangma of the Trinamool Congress by a margin of 4,594 votes.
The Gambegre seat fell vacant after resignation of Saleng A Sangma, a three-time legislator, who was elected as the Member of Parliament from Tura constituency.
Following her victory, the strength of ruling National People’s Party (NPP) went up to 32 in the 60-member assembly.
After her election, women representation in the House too increased to four.
