Ukhrul, Feb 8: The Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker conducted the final hearing on disqualification cases involving five National People’s Party (NPP) MLAs and one Janata Dal (United) MLA, Md. Abdul Nasir of Lilong Constituency on Saturday. After hearing arguments from the petitioners and respondents, the Speaker reserved judgment on the cases and directed all parties involved—the MLAs, petitioners, and their counsels—to submit their written submissions by 1 PM tomorrow before the verdict is announced.
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The hearing, which took place before the Speaker’s Tribunal from 11:30 AM, saw detailed arguments presented by both sides. The five NPP MLAs facing disqualification petitions are Kakching MLA M. Rameshwar, Tamenglong MLA Janghemlung Pamei, Oinam MLA Irengbam Nalini, Moirang MLA Thongam Shanti, and Wangoi MLA Khuraijam Loken. The petitions against these MLAs were filed under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution (anti-defection law) by MPCC Vice-President Hareshwar Goshwami and Sapam Samungou.
The MLAs are accused of attending a BJP legislators’ meeting convened by Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren in November last year, shortly after the NPP withdrew its support from the state government. The petitioners argue that their actions amount to voluntarily giving up their party membership, which warrants disqualification under the anti-defection law. In a separate case, Lilong JD(U) MLA Md. Abdul Nasir is also facing a disqualification petition filed by Thokchom Sur.
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This development follows Friday’s hearing, where the Speaker reserved judgment in disqualification cases against five JD(U) MLAs—Thangmeiband MLA Khumukcham Joykisan, Tipaimukh MLA Ngursanglur Sanate, Jiribam MLA Md. Achab Uddin, Wangkhei MLA Thangjam Arunkumar, and Churachandpur MLA LM Khaute. These MLAs had won on JD(U) tickets but later joined the BJP, prompting disqualification petitions.
With today’s hearing, a total of 11 MLAs are now awaiting the Speaker’s judgment in the ongoing disqualification proceedings. The MLAs under scrutiny, as well as their respective parties, are preparing for the verdict, which could reshape the political landscape of Manipur.
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