Shillong, Sept 9: Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma has assured to decide soon on a Congress petition to disqualify four of its MLAs, who later defected to the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).
The petition was filed by Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) secretary Manuel Badwar under provisions of Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
The MPCC filed the petition after its lone legislator Ronnie V Lyngdoh, who too defected to the NPP later, withdrew his petition against the three MLAs in Meghalaya High Court.
Ronnie V Lyngdoh joined the NPP on July 30 while the other three MLAs – Celestine Lyngdoh (Umsning), Charles Margnar (Mawhati) and Gabriel Wahlang (Nongstoin) – joined the ruling party on August 19, 2024.
Following the four MLAs’ defection to NPP, the Congress’ strength came down to zero in the 60-member assembly.
The Speaker has already recognised the merger of the four MLAs to the NPP.
Asked, the Speaker acknowledged receipt of a 92-page petition from the Congress on the matter, saying it is not possible for him to give a decision right away.
“I have also referred to my legal (team) for legal advice. They are looking at it and I am also personally studying it but it will take time,” he told reporters on Monday.
The Speaker assured that he will take his decision soon, emphasizing that while the process may take some time, it will not be prolonged unnecessarily.
“It should not be long. Very soon I will take my decision,” he said.
