BJP sore over disqualification of MLAs

The Nagaland unit of BJP today expressed strong resentment over the disqualification of three MLAs from the Nagaland Legislative Assembly by the Speaker on August 25.

The disqualified MLAs, Dr T M Lotha, Imtilemba Sangtam and Mmhonlumo Kikon, belonged to NCP, but subsequently joined BJP.

"No political party constitution is above the Indian Constitution which is supreme and BJP will seek justice," state BJP general secretary and spokesperson K James Vizo said in a statement here today.

BJP argued that as per the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, two-third majority is more than sufficient for any political party to join another party and there is no further discussion regarding that Act.

The party said it welcomed the MLAs after going through the matters carefully and following the approval from the national President.

Despite the action from the Speaker, the BJP hoped that the three members will get appropriate justice from the court of law.

The three MLAs had declared merger with the BJP on June 16 and had claimed to have fulfilled all criteria under the anti-defection law.

The NCP Nagaland unit had written to the Speaker urging him not to accept the merger but to disqualify them on grounds that no resolution has been passed by the NCP to merge with BJP in Nagaland.