Verdict in JD-U case reserved, hearing on NPP MLAs today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 07 2025: The final hearing of the disqualification case against five Janata Dal-United (JD-U) MLAs was conducted on Friday with the speaker of Manipur Legislative Assembly reserving the judgement.

Final hearing of disqualification case involving five JDU MLAs who joined BJP started from 11.30 am at the speaker's tribunal and continued till 3.30 pm.

The five MLAs - Khumukcham Joykisan of Thangmeiband AC, Ngursanglur Sanate of Tipaimukh, Md Ashab Uddin of Jiribam, Thangjam Arunkumar of Wangkhei and LM Khaute of Churachandpur - are facing charges of violating the 10th Schedule of Indian Constitution, which deals with anti-defection.

Meanwhile, petitioners' counsel advocate N Bhupenda told media persons that final hearing of the disqualification petition filed in 2022 concluded on Friday.

"The speaker has reserved verdict on the petition and there is high hope that the speaker will deliver the right judgement within a short period," he expressed, adding that a written submission for disqualification of the five MLAs was also submitted on Friday.

The JD (U) MLAs joined the BJP shortly after the 2022 state assembly elections.

The disqualification petition was filed by Manipur Congress vice-president Hareshwar Goshwami against the five legislators.

Meanwhile, a Congress leader said, "The tribunal's decision is eagerly awaited, but as of now, the outcome remains uncertain, and only the final judgment will reveal the fate of the MLAs".

In another political development, hearing of the disqualification petition hied by Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) vice president Hareshwar Goswami against four MLAs of National People's Party (NPP), earlier scheduled for February 12, has been preponed to February 8 (Saturday) at 11.30 am.

Manipur Legislative Assembly secretary K Meghajit has issued a 'cause list' in this regard late Friday evening, while informing that hearing will also be conducted together with disqualification petitions against Wangoi MLA Kh Loken and Lilong MLA Md Abdul Nasir, who were not named in the earlier petition.

Hareshwar Goswami filed the disqualification petition against four NPP MLAs namely Kakching's Mayanglambam Rameshwar, Thongam Shanti (Moirang), Janghemlung Panmei (Tamenglong) and Irengbam Nalini (Oinam).

The petition filed at the Speaker's tribunal sought disqualih-cation of the four NPP MLAs under the 10th Schedule of Indian Constitution for attending a meeting called by chief minister N Biren Singh even after NPP national president Conrad Sangma had officially announced party's withdrawal of support from the BJP-led government in the state.

Notably, Manipur Legislative Assembly secretary K Meghajit had on February 4 informed the respondent MLAs to submit written answers related to the disqualification petition within February 11, fixing February 12 for initiating proceedings of the petition.

However, Speaker's tribunal issued a 'cause list' late Friday evening in a hurried manner and fixed February 8 for the hearing.

The 'cause list' mentioned that the hearing of the petition against four NPP MLAs will be held together with the disqualification petitions filed against MLAs Kh Loken and Md Abdul Nasir, both not named in the petition filed by MPCC vice president.

Disqualification petitions against Loken and Abdul Nasir were being filed by Sapam Samungou and Thokchom Sur respectively.

The slew of petitions and hearings assume significance in the backdrop of reports about the opposition Congress planning to push a no-confidence motion with alleged support from some BJP members dissatisfied with chief minister Biren.

The BJP-led alliance in the 60 member assembly holds a majority with 43 seats.

One seat is vacant after the recent demise of NPP's Tadubi representative N Kayisii.

BJP has 37 MLAs, supported by its allies Naga People's Front (5) and JDU with one legislator.

Opposition holds 16 seats, comprising National People's Party (6), Congress (5), independents (3), and two from KPA, which withdrew its support from the Biren government in Aug 2023.Regarding Kuki representation, there are 10 Kuki-Zo MLAs - 7 from BJP, two from KPA, and one independent.

Rumours are doing the round across the state about a possible no confidence motion against incumbent chief minister N Biren during the assembly session starting February 10, amid ethnic conflict in the state that has been raging since May 2023 and has claimed more than 250 lives.

The rumours intensified after Biren and several ministers left for New Delhi on Wednesday to meet BJP's national brass.

However, the CM posted on his X along with photos about their presence in Prayagraj for the on-going Maha Kumbh.

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