SHILLONG: With KHADC CEM PN Syiem still continuing to hold the dual post even after the Prevention of Disqualification (Members of the Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya) Amendment Bill, 2015 coming into force one and a half month back, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Tuesday said that the law will take its own course.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Sangma said, “Our job is to make law. We need to fulfill our legislative duties. How people respond to it is another matter. But the law will take its own course”.
Asked why the Bill was passed midway, the Chief Minister denied that it was in a hurry and added the intention was not to target any individual.
“The issue has been lingering for long and there was a need to bring in adequate legislation”, Chief Minister said.
He also pointed out the constitutional provision of Article 192 regarding disqualification of members which was also articulated by the successive Governors against persons holding two posts.
He said as per the constitution, the ultimate decision on person holding the dual post was with the Governor and there was no change of stand on the part of the successive Governors on the matter. He, however, did not react on the criticism aired by the Shillong MP Vincent Pala against him on the dual post Bill. After the Assembly passed the dual post Bill, it took effect from October 1.
While seven MLAs who were also MDCs had resigned from the Council, Syiem is yet to relinquish the post.
