Opposition ups ante against Cong MLAs

Imphal, Mar 28 (UNI) The Opposition parties have intensified pressure on seven Congress MLAs of Manipur for holding offices of profit.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has already urged President APJ Abdul Kalam to disqualify the seven legislators.

State BJP president H Borobabu said, ''Holding office of profit is a clear violation of the provisions of the Constitution under Article 191(i).'' The seven MLAs--N Loken, K Ranjit, Y Mani, A Aza, K Korunthang, N Biren and Bijoy Koijam will face disqualification, thus crippling the ruling Congress in the state.

The youth Congress has already lauded AICC Chief Sonia Gandhi for resigning but the Manipur Congress office bearers have not reacted on the issue.

Mr K Ranjit, Chairman of Planning and Development Authority, however, said experts were consulted on the matter and he would not hesitate to resign if instructed to do so.

The Federal Party of Manipur and Manipur People's Party have also stated that the seven MLAs should resign on moral ground for holding offices of profit.

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