JMM legislator Shashank Shekhar Bhokta first elected unopposed and later performed his job with ease. looking overwhelmed, Bhokta, who replaced BJP’s CP Singh, expressed hope that he would receive cooperation from all quarters and also realised his responsibility comes with the non-partisan post.
“I seek the confidence of the members and I firmly believe that I would meet the challenges posed to me. I know that members carry aspirations of the people of their constituency who want result from them. Providing protection to those voices would be my priority,” said Bhokta later talking to media at his chamber.
He also accepted that the Monsoon Session was short in its tenure but refereed the political scenario leading to this situation. “Time is less but the situation made this to happen. We have to utilise the time in the best possible manner. It required the timing of sittings can be extended as well,” he added.
Earlier after assuming the charge, Bhokta accepted the good wishes from the members and read thanked them for his unanimous election. He also read out a letter from BJP State president designating Arjun Munda as the leader of the Opposition as the party fulfills all the benchmark required.
“With your cooperation, I would like to start a new chapter in the history. Being the custodian of the House I would certainly try that power of both the treasury and opposition is not reduced and that the power goes in rebuilding the State,” said Bhokta in his address after accepting the post in the Assembly.
Referring to frequent disruptions, the new Speaker said that the time of House was neither of the Government nor of the Opposition but of the people of the State and it should be used in changing the picture. He also termed the Opposition experienced and capable and hoped that it would come handy while governance.
He also lauded CP Singh for his resignation from the post without any hustle after the new Government acquired confidence in the House and termed it a healthy precedent. “I promise you that I will take the legacy forward,” said he.
House also condoled demise of Vidha Charan Shukla, Mahendra Karma, Khursid Alam Khan, Madhu Singh, Nityanand Swami, mathematician Shakultala Devi, film maker Rithuperno Ghosh, Shamsad Begam and Padma Shree Mahasudri Devi. The members also condoled the killings of Dumka SP Amarjit Balihar, naxal attacks taken place in Chhattisgarh, latehar and people killed in the Uttarakhand tragedy.