Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 08 2010:
Disagreeing with the contention of the Assembly Speaker Dr S Budhichandra on the resignation of seven Naga independent MLAs, Opposition MLA O Joy Singh of the MPP today staged a walk-out from the House, adding punch to the proceedings.
Prior to walking out, members of the House witnessed a heated exchange of words between the Speaker and MPP legislator with the latter expressing disgust that even after nearly four months of the Naga MLAs handing over their resignation papers to Dr Budhichandra, there is still no confirmation of whether their resignations have been accepted or not.
In his 'point of order' presentation held after conclusion of the question hour, O Joy recounted that people of Manipur endured a critical phase recently when the Govt of Manipur defied the Centre's approval to allow NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah to visit manipur.
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In the backdrop of the impasse, the Naga MLAs showing solidarity to the cause of the rebel leader, declared their intention to step down as MLAs through the media and subsequently tendered their resignation papers.
Despite this the Speaker is yet to initiate procedural obligations, accused the fiery Opposition MLA while quoting that under provision of the Rule of Procedural conduct of Business of an Assembly, the matter should have been disposed in case decision to resign is voluntarily taken.
Alleging ambiguity on the part of the Speaker, Joy pointed out that in case the resignation papers of the said seven Naga Indpendent MLAs have been accepted, relevant steps need to be adopted by apprising the matter to the Election Commission of India so that the vacant seats, if any, could be filled up without inordinate delay.
Insisting that the Speaker declare decision on the issue, the MPP Legislature Wing Leader also fumed that he has no desire to share the same roof with individuals (MLAs) whose sole objective is to disseminate Manipur.
In his response, Dr Budhichandra maintained that submission of resignation papers of the seven MLAs were received through post and fax messages in April this year and were not in compliance with relevant norms.
Further conveying that explanation of the seven MLAs on the issue was not satisfactory and as such a definite decision had been elusive so far, the Speaker assured that within a short period a final decision will be taken.
However the explanation did not satisfy O Joy who asked the Speaker to ensure presence of the seven MLAs allegedly attempting to divide the land and people of Manipur before walking out of the Assembly followed by a chaotic scene inside the Assembly.