ECI urges NPF to settle dispute internally

Directs conduct of General Convention and submission of report to ECI within 2 months

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 18 (MExN): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed both rival groups within the NPF to settle their disputes internally as per the provisions of Article XV of the party’s constitution.  

In an order dated October 17, the ECI directed that the two groups may “first exhaust the specific mechanism provided in their own party constitution and settle the dispute internally as per provisions of Article XV of the Party Constitution, which is binding on all members and office bearers of the party.”  

The provision emphasizes that such matters should be decided by two third majority of active party members themselves, in a general convention convened for the purpose by following the procedures laid down in Article XV.  

“ln the face of an express, binding provision in the Party Constitution to deal with situations of split, the two groups have to resort to the Party Constitution as a matter of first recourse. Until such recourse has been exhausted, it would not be fit for the Commission to adjudicate the matter,” the ECI viewed.  

The ECI further directed that a report be submitted by the NPF on the meeting and its outcomes, after the conduct of the General Convention as per procedure laid down in Article XV of the Party Constitution for resolving the dispute. This may be done at the earliest, and in any event within two months, it added.  

It may be noted that two rival groups within the party, one headed by Lok Sabha MP, Neiphiu Rio and the other led by former Chief Minister, Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu, have been engaged in a prolonged tussle with regard to the party name and symbol.  

The ECI informed that both groups have filed individual affidavits from members of the Legislature Wing and the Organizational Wing of the party. Neiphiu Rio has filed affidavits from 27 of the 38 MLAs of the party and 31 of the 63 Central office bearers, while the other group, headed by Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu has filed affidavits of 10 MLAs, 1 MP (Rajya Sabha) and 30 Central Office Bearers, the ECI informed.  

“The submissions of the respective parties, together with the sets of documents submitted by each group, make it evident that there are two rival groups wishing to control the party and claim to be representing the party. lt is evident that there is a split in the party, with two apparent rival groups,” the ECI concluded.