Speaker mulls show cause

Meghalaya Independents face disqualification for defecting

Shillong, March 11 : Meghalaya Speaker Bindo Lanong is likely to issue notices to the two Independent legislators who deserted the ruling Meghalaya Progressive Alliance to show cause as to why they cannot be disqualified. Ismail Marak and Limison Sangma deserted the MPA and joined the Opposition Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA) yesterday, reducing the former’s tally to 31 and raising the latter’s to 29 in the 60-member House. The MPA has decided to file complaints against the two legislators. Chief minister Donkupar Roy said one complaint would be filed by the United Democratic Party (UDP), a constituent of the ruling alliance, and the other by the MPA. Though Marak is an Independent, he had earlier declared himself to be an “associate member” of the UDP. He has sent a letter to the chief minister, who is the UDP president, requesting disassociation from the party. The Speaker said the two Independents could be disqualified as they had violated the spirit of the anti-defection law under Schedule 10 of the Constitution. Marak had joined the MPA late last year, while Sangma had joined the alliance last month. Both were sworn in as parliamentary secretaries. The Speaker said he would also examine the aspect of Marak being an associate member of the UDP and its implication under the provisions of the anti-defection law. The first step would be to examine the complaints filed by the MPA and the UDP against the Independents. The next procedure would be to issue show cause notices to the legislators, giving them a fair opportunity to explain why they should not be disqualified. If the Speaker is not satisfied with their replies, it will pave way for their disqualification. The Opposition camp, despite getting the two Independents into its fold, is not upbeat as it is still short of the number to stake claim to forming the new government. The Congress had expected the lone KHNAM legislator, Paul Lyngdoh, and one of the two HSPDP legislators, Adviser Pariong, to extend support. However, both made it clear that there was no question of deserting the MPA. Congress MLA Charles Pyngrope said the party’s doors were open for any political party or Independent in the MPA to join the Congress to form a stable government. He said if the Independents were disqualified, they would fight the case in the Supreme Court. The chief minister alleged that the two Independents had been lured by Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma with money power.