The National People’s Party (NPP) has filed separate petitions before the Speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly seeking the disqualification of five MLAs who left the party and joined the Naga People’s Front (NPF).
The five legislators are A Nyamnyei Konyak, Nuklutoshi, C Kipili Sangtam, Dr Tseilhoutuo Rhutso and Benei M Lamthiu.
The petitions have been filed against each legislator under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, the NPP said in a statement on Monday.
NPP National Vice President Vevoyi Wideo said the party would place its case before the Assembly Speaker in accordance with law.
“We respect the constitutional office of the Hon’ble Speaker and will place our case before him in accordance with law,” Wideo said.
The petitions follow the five MLAs’ move from the NPP to the NPF, with the NPP challenging their continuation as legislators under the anti-defection provisions of the Constitution.
