KOHIMA: The Naga People's Front has decided to start disqualification proceedings against 36 of its legislators who defied the party whip to vote in favour of expelled member and Chief Minister TR Zeliang during trust vote in the Assembly on July 21.
"We have decided to move disqualification petition on August 7 against them for defying the original party whip," NPF MLA Yitachu said during interaction with media persons today.
Yitachu expressed confidence that the Assembly Speaker, as well as the Supreme Court, would accept the disqualification petition, which, he said, was in accordance with the provisions of the 10th Schedule. Yitachu said that if the 36 MLAs stood disqualified, the 12th Assembly would find it difficult to transact normal business leading ultimately to the dissolution of the House.
Yitachu asserted that it was the "actual party" which could issue a whip and not the legislature party.
On the demand by NPF Legislature Party that NPF president Shurhozelie Liezietsu step down, he said that as per the NPF constitution the president can be removed only by dissolution of the party or on his personal resignation.