Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma on Friday denied receiving suspension orders for the three Congress MLAs.
Addressing Mediapersons after the conclusion of the first day of the session, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma refuted claims about receiving suspension orders for two Congress legislators, stating, “I am not aware of the six years suspension, I don’t know what you are talking about. I am not aware of their suspension, I have not received anything, I cannot base this story on the media reports, and I haven’t received any suspension order till today.”
Sangma also defended the recent merger of Congress MLAs with the National People’s Party (NPP). He emphasized, “The Constitution says if 2/3 legislators of any political party decide to merge, it can be taken. It’s legal. Taking into consideration all the factors and also the advice I have taken from my political circles, it’s allowed.” He questioned the grounds on which the Congress party is challenging the merger, adding, “On what grounds is the Congress taking legal action against the three new joiners?”
On August 19, Sangma officially recognized the merger of Congress MLAs Gabriel Wahlang, Charles Marngar, and Celestine Lyngdoh with the NPP. These MLAs were elected from the Nongstoin, Mawhati, and Umsning constituencies, respectively. The Congress party, however, is preparing to challenge the merger in court.