DIMAPUR, JUNE 25 (MExN): Trouble is brewing for the DAN government in Nagaland over the office of profit issue. The Election Commission has asked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who had sought more time for filing his reply on a show-cause notice, to give a final reply by June 30 or face action. With this notice, the government would have to swing into action to save the candidature of Rio as an MLA. If Rio faces disqualification, the ruling NPF led DAN government could well be put in an embarrassing situation.
The EC taking up the case of the petition filed by Opposition Leader I. Imkong and 14 other Congress MLAs has now written to the Chief Minister asking him to file by June 30 a written statement, supported by affidavit.
“Now, Therefore, you are called upon to file by 30-06-2006 the written statement, supported by affidavit, with six spare copies as called for in the earlier Notice dated 17-05-2006. A copy of the written statement should be served by you in advance on the petitioner and proof of service should be furnished to the Commission”, K.F. Wilfred Secretary to the Election Commission of India stated in a letter addressed to Rio.
It was informed that the Commission had issued a notice dated 17-05-2005 to the Chief Minister, on the above matter, for submitting his reply to the allegations contained in the petition on or before June 7. Rio had reportedly sought an extension of six weeks to file his reply. Following this, the Commission, after considering his request, has decided to grant extension of time up to 30-06-2006 (Thirty June Two Thousand Six). The EC however made it clear that no further extension of time would be granted under any circumstance.
The Congress petition had sought the resignation of Rio by saying that he was holding the posts of chairman of both the Nagaland Bamboo Mission and the Nagaland Sports Council. Nine MLAs of the DAN had also written to the Governor asking for the disqualification of Leader of Opposition I Imkong pointing out that he was holding an office of profit.
Following this, an emergent session of Assembly was held on April 4 to facilitate K N Balgopal, Advocate General of Nagaland, to give his opinion. Taking cue from the Advocate General, a resolution was passed agreeing to the opinion of the Advocate General to wait till the session is convened by the Parliament to discuss the matter. The limbo over the office of profit issue continues with no clear verdict yet.
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