Shillong, Aug 28 (PTI) Backed by the lone Congress MLA, the TMC on Wednesday demanded that the post of leader of opposition (LoP) in the Meghalaya assembly be offered to the party.

Speaker Thomas A Sangma said former chief minister and TMC leader Mukul M Sangma formally made a submission to him for the LoP post.

Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Takes Stock of Projects Worth INR 76,500 Crore Across 11 States at PRAGATI Meeting.

"The TMC, led by Mukul Sangma, demanded that the post of leader of opposition be offered to the party as it has the support of lone Congress MLA Ronnie V Lyngdoh. I have received the letter of submission. I am still examining the proposal and will make a decision very soon," the Speaker said.

Among political parties in the opposition, the TMC has five MLAs, and the Congress one.

Also Read | New Rules From September 1: Credit Card Rules, Aadhaar Free Update and More, Know Key Financial and Regulatory Changes Taking Effect From Next Month.

The Congress had 5 MLAs in 2023 but its tally was reduced to just one after three of them joined the ruling NPP and one got elected as an MP.

The Speaker said the strength of the opposition is 10 per cent of the 60-member assembly.

"They have fulfilled the minimum 10 per cent criteria for the LoP post. But other things are under consideration. So I am reserving my decision and will take a call very soon," he said.

According to the Speaker, the TMC also demanded that the post of opposition chief whip be given to the lone Congress MLA.

The Congress legislator gave up the LoP post on Tuesday.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)