Shillong, Apr 18 (IANS): Meghalaya's Nationalist Congress Party legislator Sanbor Shullai Thursday scripted history by becoming the first MLA to be elected deputy speaker of the state assembly for a second consecutive term.

Shullai, described by many as "man of the below poverty line (BPL) families", was elected to the 60-member Meghalaya assembly for the second time in the Feb 23 election from South Shillong.

Congratulating Shullai on being elected deputy speaker, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said: "Shullai's being elected unopposed to the high post in the assembly reflects that he is acceptable to members on both sides of the house."

"He is a competent man who leaves no stone unturned in serving the people," Sangma said.

Describing Shullai as a man who fights for the rights of the people, Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy, chief of the United Democratic Party, said the new deputy speaker will be a linkman between members of the ruling and the opposition benches on issues concerning the development of the state.

In the 60-member house, the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance-II has 29 Congress MLAs. It is supported by two Nationalist Congress Party legislators and 11 independents.

The opposition Meghalaya People's Front is made up of eight United Democratic Party legislators, two from the National People's Party, two independents and a lone Garo National Council legislator.