Examining split as merger ECI’s prerogative; UDP petition defective, given 10 days to rectify
Shillong, Oct 13: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A Sangma on Tuesday said the merger of eight UDP MLAs with the BJP is still under examination and he is yet to accord recognition to it.
“I am still examining, so I will not say BJP MLAs. The merger to BJP is still under consideration and I am waiting for legal opinion,” Sangma told reporters.
He said the eight MLAs had called on him and he had informed them that more time is needed.
“They came to me as a cordial visit. I explained to them that the matter is being examined and I need some more time,” he said.
The Speaker said he is awaiting rectified petitions from the United Democratic Party.
“There was a petition from Metbah Lyngdoh and UDP. Their petitions were a little bit defective, so I have given them 10 days’ time to rectify that. Their time will be over by tomorrow. I am waiting for that and for legal opinions from different sources,” he said.
Defending the delay, Sangma said, “The Speaker’s office cannot just decide like that. I have to be careful, once bitten twice shy. I had given my ruling during the previous split of the Congress also. Even Parliament has not been able to make a decision till today. I am not delaying it on purpose, I am taking my time so that I can make a decision with a very clear mind.”
On the defects in the UDP petition, he said, “As per legal opinion there were some omissions, their submissions were not very clear.”
Clarifying his role, Sangma said, “As Speaker I cannot recognize the merger as it is the prerogative of the Election Commission of India. I am examining the split of the party.”
He added that past precedents, including the Congress to TMC merger and his own earlier ruling which is under scrutiny of the High Court, are being examined.
“First prerogative is to decide on the petition of the UDP as per series of events that had taken place. I am looking at the disqualification petition,” he said.
When asked what the eight MLAs should be called pending his ruling, Sangma said, “That is the question I am also asking myself. It remains to be seen what kind of decision I can make.”
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