The Speaker’s Tribunal also reserved its verdict on the disqualification of five Janata Dal (United) MLAs who allegedly defected to the BJP after being elected in 2022.
TFM Report
The Tribunal of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker has issued notices to four National People’s Party (NPP) legislators, directing them to respond to anti-defection allegations.
This follows a petition by Manipur Congress vice-president Hareshwar Goswami, who sought their disqualification after they attended a BJP legislators’ meeting convened by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in November 2023. The NPP had withdrawn support from the BJP-led government days prior.
The MLAs—M Rameshwar, J Pamei, Irengbam Nalini Devi, and Thongam Shanti—must submit written replies by February 11, with a hearing scheduled for February 12 at 9:30 AM. They are required to appear in person or through authorized representatives. The NPP, which has seven MLAs in the 60-member Assembly, faces potential political ramifications if the members are disqualified under the Constitution’s 10th Schedule.
JD(U) MLAs’ Fate Hangs in Balance as Speaker Reserves Judgment
In a separate case, the Speaker’s Tribunal reserved its verdict on the disqualification of five Janata Dal (United) MLAs who allegedly defected to the BJP after being elected in 2022. The final hearing concluded on February 3, capping a prolonged legal battle initiated by Congress leader Hareshwar Goswami and petitioners M. Dorendro and M. Surjit.
The legislators under scrutiny—Thangmeiband AC’s Khumukcham Joykisan, Tipaimukh AC’s Ngursanglur Sanate, Jiribam AC’s Md Ashab Uddin, Wangkhei AC’s Thangjam Arunkumar, and Churachandpur AC’s LM Khaute—allegedly violated anti-defection laws by switching parties.
During the hearing, petitioner’s counsel M. Bhupenda argued for their disqualification, urging strict adherence to the 10th Schedule.
A ruling against the MLAs could trigger by-elections, reshaping Manipur’s political dynamics. All eyes now await the Speaker’s decision, which holds significant implications for the stability of the BJP-led government and the state’s legislative balance.