Expelled ZPMs seek time to explain position

DISQUALIFICATION HEARING

ZIRO, Apr 16: The four expelled zilla parishad members (ZPMs) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Keyi Panyor district have sought ten days' time to explain their position during a hearing at the office of the deputy commissioner’s office here on their disqualification matter.

Lower Subansiri and Keyi Panyor deputy commissioner Vivek H P had issued a notice to the ZPMs regarding their disqualifications.

Besides ZPC Likha Sangchorey, the other expelled ZPMs include Nilly Likha Tabo (Pistana), Gem Aiti (Yazali), and Khoda Dipung (Upper Yachuli).

As per the Arunachal Pradesh Local Authorities (Prohibition of Defection) Act, 2003, Clause 6(2), a complaint about defection must be referred to the State Election Commissioner within 24 hours, and a decision must be made within 30 days.

Additionally, Clause 3(1) of the Act states that a member shall be disqualified for defection if they voluntarily give up their party membership.

The four ZPMs had resigned from the BJP, leading to their expulsion from the party. The BJP had requested the DC to disqualify them from their seats.

Presently, there are 20 ZPMs, with 14 in Lower Subansiri and 6 in Keyi Panyor district. With no separate Zilla Parishad segment in the newly created Keyi Panyor, the ZPMs from this district are still counted under Lower Subansiri district. Fourteen ZPMs are needed to fulfill the two-thirds majority and avoid disqualifications.

The ruling BJP in Arunachal had earlier this month expelled three zilla parishad chairpersons (ZPCs) and four ZPMs for a period of six years for their involvement in “anti-party activities”.

According to the party, the ZPCs and ZPMs were found to be indulging in anti-party activities and campaigning against the official candidates for the simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Meanwhile, the day also saw DC Vivek along with general observer Sunil Kumar Yadav hold a final review meeting with all sector officers and sector police officers for smooth and peaceful polling at the 16th Yachuli and 17th Ziro-Hapoli Assembly Constituencies on April 19.

Lower Subansiri SP Keni Bagra, ADC Himani Meena and other election officials were also present in the meeting.