Congress demands from Speaker kuldeep Singh Pathania?
Himachal Pradesh congress has filed a fresh petition before assembly Speaker kuldeep Singh Pathania, demanding action under the anti-defection law against three independent MLAs who had resigned from the state assembly. In a new petition filed with Pathania, congress MLAs Jagat Singh Negi and Harish Janartha argued that despite the resignations of these MLAs not being accepted, they joined the bharatiya janata party and doing so were eligible for action under the Anti-Defection Act.
Meanwhile, the himachal pradesh High court on thursday considered the application seeking directions to accept the resignations of three rebel independent MLAs and adjourned the hearing of the case till april 30. Three independent MLAs – Hoshiar Singh, ashish Sharma and KL Thakur – had voted in favor of bjp candidate Harsh Mahajan in the rajya sabha elections on february 27. These MLAs had resigned from the assembly on march 22 and joined bjp the next day.
'Independent MLAs cannot join any party'
Jagat Singh Negi said on thursday, "Independent MLAs cannot join any party and if they do so, they are liable for action under the Anti-Defection Law and we have requested the Speaker to take such action." The Speaker said, "The process has started on the new petition of congress leaders and notice has been issued to three independent MLAs with a copy of the petition and they have been asked to reply by May 4."
Meanwhile, Advocate General Anoop Ratan, appearing for the MLAs, said that the arguments of his clients were completed today and the Speaker's lawyer will present his arguments in the next hearing. The assembly Speaker had earlier issued 'show cause notices' to these MLAs and sought clarification from them by april 10. The petitioners say that he has resigned voluntarily and his resignation should have been accepted immediately.
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