Congress approaches ECI to seek disqualification of 12 MLAs in Manipur

Seeking disqualification of 12 ruling MLAs who were appointed as the Parliamentary Secretaries by the BJP government, the Manipur Congress party approached Election Commission of India. The delegation was led by Manipur Congress Incharge Bhakta Charan Das.

New Delhi: The Manipur Congress party, on Wednesday, approached Election Commission of India seeking disqualification of 12 ruling MLAs who were appointed as the Parliamentary Secretaries by the BJP government.

The delegation was led by Manipur Congress Incharge Bhakta Charan Das, along with Manipur Pradesh Congress President Govindas Konthoujam and other MLAs.

While addressing the media, Bhakta Charan Das said, "We have met the Election Commission regarding the disqualification of 12 MLAs. The Election Commission is processing the matter. Honourable High Court of Manipur has given the order for disqualification of MLAs, those who had been appointed as Parliamentary Secretary on the grounds of office of profit."

He further explained, "Congress had appealed to the Governor to disqualify these MLAs as per the order of High Court. Hon' Governor of Manipur stopped for the permission of the Commission. ECI is examining the matter. We are convinced with the discussion that ECI will take appropriate decision at the earliest."

A petition was being filed by four persons in 2018, including two MLAs of Congress party, challenging the appointment of parliamentary secretaries and to quash the Act as well.

In September, the High Court of Manipur pronounced the Manipur Parliamentary Secretary (Appointment, Salary and Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2012 and Manipur Parliamentary (Appointment, Salary and Allowances and Miscellaneous Provisions) Repealing Act, 2018, invalid and unconstitutional.