CM upbeat despite reverses
SHILLONG: Despite the order of Governor V. Shanmuganathan, based on the opinion of the Election Commission of India, that KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem does not attract the Constitutional provision of disqualification, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Thursday banked on the High Court of Meghalaya where a PIL is pending against MLAs holding the dual posts of MDCs.
“The issue of dual posts is sub judice and the order of the Governor will have to go to the Court,” the chief minister told reporters.
The chief minister also justified the dual post Bill which took effect from October 1 last by stating that the purpose of the Bill was to insulate members of the legislative Assembly from disqualification for holding the posts of MDCs and the legislature is mandated to make law in this regard.
“The government is only fulfilling its responsibility. We feel that MLAs should not hold post of MDCs. The Act in this regard also received the assent from the Governor,” he said.
The chief minister pointed out that the whole issue originated from the Raj Bhavan as a query on whether the legislators can hold the post of MDCs came from the constitutional head at Raj Bhavan in the past.
It was former Governor K.K. Paul who had written to the State government raising question on the dual post.
According to the chief minister, the amendment to the previous Bill which allowed MLAs to hold the posts of MDCs was brought in line with this.
“Is it not a fact that the issue of MLAs holding the posts of MDCs emanated from the office of the Governor?” the chief minister questioned.
He also said that subsequently, an affidavit was filed by the office of the Governor in the High Court of Meghalaya.