SHILLONG, OCT 13: Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma on Tuesday said he cannot yet call the eight former UDP legislators as BJP MLAs as their merger is still under examination.
“I will not say BJP MLAs. You have already acknowledged their merger but the Speaker’s office still cannot. I am still examining and waiting for legal opinion,” Sangma told reporters.
He said the eight MLAs met him and he conveyed that the matter requires time.
“Yes, they came to me as a cordial visit. I explained that the matter is being examined and I need some more time,” he said.
Sangma said he has sought 10 days for rectification of defective petitions filed by UDP president Metbah Lyngdoh and the party’s remaining four MLAs.
“Their petitions were a little defective. There were some omissions and submissions were not very clear. I have given 10 days time which will be over by tomorrow. I am waiting for that and for legal opinions,” he said.
On the delay, he said, “Once beaten twice shy. I had given my ruling during the previous split of Congress also. I am not delaying on purpose. Speaker’s office cannot just decide like that. Even Parliament has not been able to give decision till today. I am taking my time so I can make a decision with a very clear mind.”
He added that recognition of merger is the prerogative of the Election Commission of India.
“Officially, Speaker is yet to recognize the merger. I am examining the split of the party. I am looking at the disqualification petition and will decide as per series of events. First prerogative is to decide on UDP petition,” he said.
The Speaker said he is also referring to earlier cases including the Congress-TMC merger and his own previous ruling which is still under scrutiny of the High Court.
On what the eight legislators should be addressed as till the ruling, Sangma said, “That is the question I am also asking myself.”
By Our Reporter
