The recent merger of the PDF with NPP is in accordance with law and does not attract disqualification of the two MLAs of PDF under the Anti-Defection Act.
This was stated by Assembly Speaker Thomas A. Sangma in his order today which cleared the merger.
The Speaker said that he received the letter of the merger of PDF and NPP on May 5 which was signed by Gavin M. Mylliem, MLA and President of erstwhile PDF and Auspicious Mawphlang, General Secretary of PDF.
Enclosed along with the merger letter were proceedings of the general council meeting held on May 5, resolution adopted at the meeting and certified authorised copy of the members present.
“After careful examination of the documents placed before me, and after going through the relevant provisions of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution of India, I am satisfied with the merger of the PDF into the NPP,” the Speaker said in his order.
According to the Speaker, he decided to allow the merger as it does not attract disqualification under Para 4 of the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution of India.
“Henceforth, both Gavin M. Mylliem, MLA and Banteidor Lyngdoh, MLA are deemed to be members of NPP Legislature Party in the House and seats be arranged accordingly,” the Speaker said in the order.
It may be mentioned that PDF on May 6 merged with the ruling NPP.
The merger agreement was signed between NPP national president Conrad Sangma and PDF president Gavin M. Mylliem in the presence of NPP national vice president Prestone Tynsong, NPP general secretary Sniawbhalang Dhar and PDF working president Banteidor Lyngdoh.
The merger also ended the journey of PDF as a political party after nearly six years since it was formed.
