Zeliang seeks disqualification of ten MLAs

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 5

Nagaland Chief Minister, TR Zeliang has filed a composite disqualification petition against 10 MLAs to the Speaker of Nagaland Legislative Assembly today. The 10 MLAs are supporters of former chief minister, Dr Shurhozelie Lizietsu.

The MLAs are Kiyanilie Peseyie, Y. Vikheho Swu, Chotisuh Sazo, Kuzholuzo Nienu, Yitachu, C.L. John, Thonwang Konyak, P. Longon, R. Tohanba and Torechu. The petition was filed in Form P-2, as prescribed by the Members of Nagaland Legislative Assembly (Disqualification on Ground of Defection) Rules, 2003, according to the chief minister’s office.

 In the petition to the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly today, T.R. Zeliang stated that the 10 “NPF MLAs be declared as disqualified under paragraph 2(1) (b) of the Tenth Schedule as all these ten NFP MLAs absented themselves from attending the sitting of the House held on July 19 contrary to the direction issued to them and received by them”.

T.R. Zeliang stated that the ten NPF legislators were fully aware of the sitting of the House and they were to attend the House invariably on the said day as proper communication was rendered to them.

“However, the ten NPF legislators had acted contrary to the direction issued by him on July 18 as the whip of NPF and as well as for acting contrary to the communication allegedly issued by Kiyanilie Peseyie, MLA, on July 18, asking the NPF MLAs to be present in the House on July 19,” the chief minister maintained in the petition.

As such, these ten NPF MLAs had violated the Whip as well as the communication, therefore they are liable for disqualification under paragraph (2)(1)(b) of the Ten Schedule, it stated.

It may be recalled on August 2, the NPF headed by Dr Shurhozelie suspended Neiphiu Rio from the primary and active membership of the Naga People’s Front (NPF). Interestingly, former chief minister and sitting Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio was ‘selected’ by 36 legislators supporting TR Zeliang as the ‘Interim’ president of the NPF on July 31.

The August 2 decision of the DR Shurhozelie group of the NPF came a day after Neiphiu Rio had said he “was humbled by the decision of the NPF Legislature Party led by Chief Minister TR Zeliang for electing him as the interim President of the NPF party”.