The five legislators include former ministers Advisor Pariong and Paul Lyngdoh, deputy speaker Sanbar Shullai, and two independent MLAs Ismail Marak and Limison Sangma. According to the speaker's ruling they have been barred from entering the house until further orders.
Earlier, these five MLAs have withdrawn their support from the ruling MPA government reducing its strength to 28 in the 60-member legislature. The opposition Congress now has the support of 27 legislators. Earlier, the Congress was claiming the support of 32 legislators, including the five MLAs who are now under suspension.
It is speculated that, the governor might recommend imposition of President’s rule in Meghalaya considering the speaker’s decision. A Congress party source said that, the party is unlikely to take part in the floor test and would instead approach the court challenging the speaker’s decision. Until the court decides the matter they would prefer Presidential rule in the state, he added.