National   

Dismiss Rio government: MLAs

NEW DELHI: Thirty legislators from Nagaland met President Pratibha Patil on Tuesday to press for the dismissal of the Neiphiu Rio government as it had lost its majority on the floor of the Assembly.

The delegation included 16 MLAs from the Congress, nine members who crossed over from the ruling side when the motion of no-confidence against the Rio government was put to vote, two from the Janata Dal (United) and three Independents.

Though, according to the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, I. Imkong, the total number of MLAs who voted against the government was 31, one legislator — a Congressman — could not come to Delhi because of personal reasons.

While at first the 31 MLAs staked claim to form a government, Congress in-charge of Nagaland, Margaret Alva, said since elections were due in the State early next year, the legislators had come around to accepting President’s Rule as an alternative.

Briefing journalists ahead of the meeting with the President, Mr. Imkong said the Rio government had been voted out on December 13. However, he said, the Speaker refused to acknowledge the vote though 31 MLAs in a House with an effective strength of 55 had voted against the government.

“The Speaker refused to acknowledge the vote of the three Independent MLAs — who where among the legislators who moved the no confidence motion — and the nine MLAs who cross-voted. We demanded a fresh count but he refused. Immediately afterwards, all 31 MLAs went to the Raj Bhavan to inform the Governor that they had voted out the Rio government and stake claim,” Mr. Imkong said.

Pointing out that seven days had passed since the government had lost its majority, Mr Imkong said the MLAs decided to come to Delhi to step up pressure on the Centre to take action against an unconstitutional regime. On Monday, they met Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

ESIC nod for amnesty scheme
U.N. report urges steps to help in youth-adult transition
Top leader’s arrest a big blow to Maoist movement
Implement report on farmers: UNPA
Eurocopter expresses surprise
Yechury takes a dig at Advani on Nandigram
NDC to consider Plan draft today
Urgent need for reforms in public services, says Amartya Sen
Dismiss Rio government: MLAs
Spectrum panel wants each MHz priced
Ready for struggle, says Pravin’s wife

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu