Fourteen rebel Congress MLAs were disqualified from the Assembly today, a day ahead of its winter session which would take up the impeachment motion notice served by 11 BJP and two Independent members against Speaker Nabam Rebia.
A notice issued by Assembly Secretary M Lasa stated that they were disqualified on the ground of defection and the constituencies from which they had won fall vacant.
The 14 included Deputy Speaker T N Thandak who was supposed to conduct the business of the House on the impeachment motion.
Led by former minister Kalikho Pul, 21 Congress MLAs out of the total 47 in the 60-member House have revolted against the leadership of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki since last three months.
The 14 MLAs disqualified today are former ministers Pema Khandu, Kumar Waii, Jarkar Gamlin, Kamlung Mossang, Wanglin Lowangdong, Thangwang Wangham, Deputy Speaker T N Thongdok, Kameng Dolo, Markio Tado, P D Sona, Mutchu Mithi, Phosum Khimhun, Lombo Tayeng and Kalikho Pul.
Governor J P Rajkhowa has re-scheduled the Assembly session from January 14 to December 16 to take up the impeachment motion and the business of the House would be conducted by deputy speaker T N Thongdok.
The move triggered criticism of the governor and demand for his call back grew louder in the state.
