DIMAPUR, AUGUST 9 (MExN): The NPF Central has expressed surprise over the disqualification petition filed by Chief Minister TR Zeliang before the Nagaland State Assembly Speaker against the ten NPF legislators of Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu led NPF group.
A rejoinder issued by Media & Press Bureau, NPF Central on Wednesday said TR had petitioned for disqualification of the ten NPF legislators while citing Para 2(1) (b) of the tenth schedule of the Constitution of India.
In the petition, Zeliang pleaded that 10 NPF MLAs be declared as disqualified under paragraph 2(1)(b) of the tenth schedule as they absented themselves from the July 19 emergency session of the Assembly, violating the Whip of the party.
However, the NPF Central sought to clarify that there is enough Supreme Court ruling affirming that Whip shall be issued only by a Political party and not by any leader of the Legislator Party. "The Constitution is the principle act and hence the Assembly rules cannot override the Principle Act,” it pointed out.
Also quoting sections under the Nagaland Legislative Assembly (disqualification on the ground of defection) Rule 2003 and the 10th schedule of the Constitution of India, the rejoinder claimed that since TR Zeliang and his group have not merged with any party, therefore, the duties of the leader of the Legislature Party as required under Rule 2 does not apply to him.
It contended that the sole intention of the TR led NPF party was to confuse the elected members and the general public by resorting to claiming themselves as NPF Party.
The NPF Central also maintained that intra-party activities cannot be taken to the floor of the Assembly or the Governor’s office. However, all these unlawful activities are carried out to run an unconstitutional government, it maintained.
