SHILLONG, Sept 8: Senior National People’s Party (NPP) legislator Timothy D. Shira has resigned from his post as Deputy Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, following instructions from the party’s high command.
Shira, who represents Resubelpara in North Garo Hills, confirmed to reporters on Monday that he stepped down after receiving a late-night call from Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
“I have tendered my resignation as per the directive of the party high command. As a party man, I cannot refuse. I have full trust in the chief minister. He is my favourite CM,” said the veteran leader, who is regarded as the seniormost legislator in the Assembly.
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The 79-year-old clarified that he was not upset by the decision, stressing his satisfaction and continued loyalty to the party. He, however, remained uncertain about his future role, saying, “I don’t know whether I will be accommodated in the cabinet or sent elsewhere. It depends on the wisdom of the CM.”
Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma confirmed that he had accepted Shira’s resignation and issued a notification through Commissioner & Secretary Dr. Andrew Simons. The House will now elect a new Deputy Speaker on September 12, the concluding day of the ongoing autumn session.
Shira’s resignation is being seen as part of the NPP’s internal reshuffle ahead of the 2028 state elections. A stalwart in Garo Hills politics, Shira has served in the Assembly for over two decades and twice held the Deputy Speaker’s chair - first in March 2018, and again in March 2023 when he was re-elected unopposed.
His departure from the post marks a significant shift in Meghalaya’s legislative leadership, opening the field for new contenders within the ruling party.
