First session of 10th State Assembly underway
Lokeshwar becomes youngest Speaker in state
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, March 19 2012: The first session of the newly elected 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly began from today at the new Assembly complex at Chingmeirong here.

With both the Ruling and the Opposition bench unanimously endorsing the candidature of Th Lokeshwar, an elected legislator from Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency, Pro tem Speaker L Nandakumar has announced appointed of the Lokeshwar has the Speaker of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Prior to announcement by the Pro tem Speaker, nomination of Lokeshwar for the post of Speaker which was moved and seconded by MLAs of various political parties was placed on the floor of the House along with a motion with former Assembly Speaker I Hemochandra as mover and MLA Victor Keishing as seconder.

After discussion and consideration of the motion, Pro tem speaker L Nandakumar announced appointment of Lokeshwar as the Speaker of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly and consequently, leader of the House Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Opposition leader Dr I Ibohalbi jointly escorted the newly appointed Speaker to his chair.

After the Speaker took his chair, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and other MLAs expressed words of appreciation on the appointment.

In his speech, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh pointed out that the role and duty of the Speaker in the Assembly is very important and he/she should be always stand for truth and have no biasness at the time giving judgement and expressed hope that Lokeshwar would discharge his duties in a neutral manner without favouring anyone in the common interest of the state.

Addressing the House, Lokeshwar expressed his gratitude to both the Ruling and the Opposition Bench for electing him unanimously to the post of Speaker.

"I am extremely grateful to all the Hon'ble Members for extending their faith in me.

I am fully aware of the expectations of everyone while entrusting me with such a responsible and high Constitutional office.

Here, I would like to say that I will give my best efforts to uphold all those expectations and I shall work earnestly to uphold the dignity and decorum of the august House.

I will try to safeguard the rights and privileges of the Hon.ble Members of this august House, I also firmly believe that all the Hon'ble Members, too, would extend full co-operation to my humble effort", Lokeshwar said.

He went on to say, "While discharging my duty as a Speaker, I shall honour both the Ruling and the Opposition without any partiality.

I will respect the sentiments and aspirations of all the ethnic groups while important issues of the state are being discussed in the House.

I shall also seek the advice of senior leaders and senior Parliamentarians so that I can discharge my duty without fear and partiality" .

Observing that the Members of the august House are going to change the fate of the state, the newly elected Speaker also called upon them to work collectively for the welfare of the state and ' I shall try my best to work in line with this collective responsibility.

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