Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary to examine legalities

SHILLONG: With both MPA and MUA claiming majority to form the new government in the State, Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary has said that he will first examine all the legal aspects before inviting any group for government formation.

"There are various verdicts by both the Supreme Court and the High Court relating to disqualification of MLAs. I will examine all legal aspects before inviting any group to form the government," Mr Mooshahary told reporters on the sidelines of his surprise visit to the Shillong Civil Hospital here on Tuesday.

The Governor made it clear that he would have no problem with asking a group having a clear majority to form the government, saying the Assembly was kept in suspended animation.

"I'm ready to call the group having a clear majority to form the government, but I have to look into the legal provisions," Mr Mooshahary said.

MPA on Saturday staked its claim to form the government by submitting a list of 28 MLAs to the Governor. MPA claimed majority on the ground that four MLAs still remained suspended as per the ruling of the Speaker. The MPA list of legislators, however, included Dr Adviser Pariong (HSPDP), the other suspended MLA. The non-congress alliance said the Speaker should drop the disqualification proceedings against Dr Pariong as HSPDP had already withdrawn its complaint against him.

Similarly, Congress-led MUA on Monday claimed that it had the majority in the 60-member House and so the Governor should invite it to form the government. Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader DD Lapang faxed a list of 31 legislators supporting MUA from New Delhi to the Raj Bhavan here. Among the 31 legislators were four of the five suspended MLAs - Paul Lyngdoh (KHNAM), Sanbor Shullai (NCP) and two Independents Ismail R Marak and Limison D Sangma.

CLP spokesperson Dr RC Laloo, who led a 14-member delegation of Congress legislators to the Governor's House, said since the voting rights of the suspended legislators had been restored by an order of the Shillong Bench of the Gauhati High Court, MUA should be asked to form the government. THE SHILLONG TIMES