In a representation to the NPCC president, 44 out of 60 Assembly Constituency Congress Committee (ACCC) have demanded immediate withdrawal of the disqualification petition filed against seven Congress MLAs.
In the event the party fails to adhere to the demand, ACCCs warned that they would be compelled “to withdraw cooperation” with effect from October 4, till disqualification petition is withdrawn.
The signatories include– Tuensang (7), Wokha (4), Kohima (6), Zunheboto (6), Mokokchung (7), Mon (6), Dimapur (3), Phek (3), Peren (1) and Longleng (1).
The ACCCs pointed out that the MLAs did not join the government on their own decision.
“We were aware of intensive discussions held several times at the state level and when the PCC delegate visited the districts, we had also conveyed our endorsement to the MLAs to join the government”, they said.
Taking note of the urgency, to be involved with the mass at this crucial juncture of Naga political settlement, ACCCs said they wanted to create “a friendly assembly election in 2018” by not repeating the past mistake of 1998 Assembly Election. “The party went against the call of the NPGs and civil societies and the consequential affect is being felt up to this day”, they stated.
Consequent upon the suspension of the eight MLAs, ACCCs said, several appeals were made, representations were submitted and delegation of senior members approached the AICC authority to revoke/review the suspension in the larger interest of the party.
“But to our total dismay, disqualification petition was been filed by the NPCC”, they said.
They further asked the president: “how the party can/will derive any benefit from the disqualification of the entire congress MLAs?”
They said that such extreme step would only be counterproductive and devastating for the party.