Independents may be disqualified: Lanong

SHILLONG: The two independent MLAs, Justine Dkhar and Robinus Syngkon, have joined BJP but whether they will be disqualified or not only time will tell.
Former Speaker of Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Bindo M Lanong, who himself had disqualified five MLAs, including independents, for shifting allegiance from MPA to the Congress-led MUA government in 2009, said the two independent MLAs attract the case of disqualification under the 10th Schedule.
The UDP working president added that they can lend their support to the party but they cannot join the party even as he added that the Supreme Court had upheld the verdict of the Haryana High Court case that independent MLAs joining a party will stand disqualified.
On the other hand, incumbent Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly AT Mondal said he is not aware about such political developments taking place in the state. “I will have to see the details before taking a call on the matter,” he added.
On MLAs’ disqualification under the 10th Schedule, Justine Dkhar said first of all they have to resign from the government after which there is no threat of getting disqualified.
However, BJP leader Nalin Kohli ridiculed such speculations of anti-defection law saying the Congress has panicked with such developments in the state.
“There will be many more joining us and there will be lots of surprises in the coming days,” he said.