Office of profit: Cong seeks disqualification of 12 Parliamentary Secretaries
Will approach Court if Governor doesn't act: MPCC
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 29 2018: For the second time, Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has submitted a representation to the Governor to take up necessary action against the appointment of 12 Parliamentary Secretaries by the BJP-led coalition Government last year.

Contending that the appointment of the Parliamentary Secretaries was unconstitutional, the representation sought disqualification of the 12 Parliamentary Secretaries/MLAs on the charge of holding office of profit.

Speaking to media persons at Congress Bhavan here today, MPCC president TN Haokip said that they will approach the Court in case the Governor does not take up any action even after a second petition has been submitted.

After the coalition Government led by N Biren was sworn in on March 15 last year, eight BJP MLAs, three NPF MLAs and one independent MLA were sworn in as Parliamentary Secretaries on March 23 at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat.

The 12 Parliamentary Secretaries and their portfolios are; Khurai AC BJP MLA Leisangthem Susindro alias Yaima (Home), Naoriya Pakhanglakpa BJP MLA Soibam Subhaschandra (Health & Family Welfare), Keirao AC BJP MLA Lourembam Rameshwor (IFCD), Kshetrigao AC BJP MLA N Indrajit (MAHUD), Mayang Imphal AC BJP MLA Kongkham Robindro (Education, YAS), Yaiskul AC BJP MLA Thokchom Satyabrata (Finance, Science & Technology), Sekmai AC BJP MLA Heikham Dingo (RD&PR), Konthoujam AC BJP MLA Dr Sapam Ranjan (Tourism, Information Technology), Jiribam AC independent MLA Ashab Uddin (MOBC, Commerce &Industries), Chingai AC NPF MLA Khashim Vashum (Transport, Planning), Phungyar AC NPF MLA K Leishiyo (PHED, Printing & Stationery, Horticulture) and Tamei AC NPF MLA Awangbow Newmai (Minor Irrigation, CADA, Agriculture, PWD, Sericulture).

With regard to the allotment of portfolios to the Parliamentary Secretaries, then Chief Secretary O Nabakishore issued a notification on March 24 last year.

The 12 Parliamentary Secretaries were appointed under Section 3 of the Manipur Parliamentary Secretary (Appointment, Salary and Allowance, and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012.TN Haokip said that appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries by State Governments under different legislations enacted by them was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court on July 26 last year.

Subsequent upon the apex Court's judgement, Congress party submitted a petition to the Governor on October 25 seeking disqualification of the 12 Parliamentary Secretaries.

On the next day, Chief Minister N Biren reportedly issued an order declaring that the order pertaining to appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries had been annulled and hence there was no Parliamentary Secretary any more.

As Governor Dr Najma Heptulla failed to take up any action even after three months of submitting the petition, a second petition was submitted on January 27.As per Articles 91 and 92 of the Indian Constitution, the Governor is the final authority in matters related to appointment of Parliamentary Secretaries.

The Governor may disqualify the 12 Parliamentary Secretaries or she may refer the matter to the Election Commission of India, TN Haokip said.

Saying that the Governor may choose any of the two options, the MPCC president said that they would approach the Court if the Governor still chooses to remain silent.

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