Demand to disqualify ruling SDF MLAs "devoid of merit"

Gangtok, Apr 25 (UNI) The opposition Congress party's demand to disqualify 17 of the 31 ruling Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) MLAs on the charges of holding office of profit was ''misconceived'' and ''devoid of merit'', political advisor to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, B B Gooroong said here today.

Mr Gooroong also said the Sikkim Legislative Assembly Member (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1978 under Art 191(1)(a) of the Constitution protect the members from disqualification for holding any office either under the Union or the state government.

The Sikkim Pradesh Congress Committee, in a 104 page memorandum to Governor V Rama Rao, had demanded disqualification of 17 ruling SDF MLAs for holding office of profit by exercising his power conferred on him under Article 192 of the Constitution.

The Governor had already sent the memorandum to the Election Commission for necessary action.

MORE UNI BD JYN RN SRS BST1554