SHILLONG, Oct 13: Amid a growing political tug-of-war, Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma has made it clear that the disqualification petition filed by the United Democratic Party against eight of its former legislators will take precedence over their submission that they have merged with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
The eight MLAs—Lahkmen Rymbui, Pius Marwein, Kyrmen Shylla, Mayralborn Syiem, Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Ollan Singh Suin, Balajied Kupar Synrem and Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh Thabah—submitted a merger letter to the Assembly Secretariat on September 25, declaring their decision to join the BJP. The documents were received by Adviser (Legislation) Andrew Simons in the Speaker’s absence.
On Tuesday, after a meeting with the eight legislators, Sangma told reporters that his office has not yet recognised them as BJP members.
“The Speaker’s Office is still examining it, and I am awaiting legal opinions from different sources. Therefore, I will not say that they are BJP MLAs, as the matter is still under consideration,” he said.
The UDP, meanwhile, has already moved a petition seeking their disqualification.
Sangma confirmed that the petition contained certain omissions and deficiencies. The party leadership and the remaining four UDP MLAs were given 10 days to correct and resubmit it—a deadline that expires on Wednesday.
“Deciding the disqualification petition is my immediate priority,” the Speaker said, stressing that the matter would be examined strictly under the rules and constitutional provisions.
He is also reviewing earlier political precedents, including cases involving the Trinamool Congress and Congress in 2021, as well as his own previous ruling that is currently under scrutiny in the High Court.
Sangma insisted the process was not being deliberately delayed. “I am taking my time and examining it so that I can make a decision with a clear mind,” he said.
He maintained that the disqualification issue must be settled before any further step is taken on the merger claim.
The meeting with the eight MLAs was described as cordial, but the Speaker left no ambiguity: formal recognition as BJP legislators is still some distance away, and the political battle over their status is far from over.