"The suspension of MLAs by Speaker B M Lanong was unconstitutional and illegal. He misused his authority. Besides, he has no moral right to give his casting vote as a no-confidence motion against him (Speaker) was supposed to come up for discussion on March 27," Congress leader and former Chief Minister D D Lapang told reporters here.
On the day of trust vote on March 17, Lanong had suspended five MLAs, who withdrew support to the NCP-led MPA government, under the Anti-Defection Law ignoring the Governor&aposs directive that he maintain status quo on the voting rights of members and cast his vote when there was a 27:27 tie in the 60-member House during division.
Lapang claimed the group of MLAs headed by Congress was in"majority"in the 60-member assembly as its number stands at 29 now.
He, however, said they were not going to stake claim for formation of the next government in the state immediately as suspension of two MLAs are sub-judice and Congress wanted stability to come first.
"The decision of court on the status of two MLAs are yet to come. Besides, we want stability. But we also do not want President&aposs Rule to continue for a longer period,"he said.