Notices to 7 NPF MLAs for backing PDA candidate

The Naga People's Front (NPF) here on Tuesday issued show cause notices to its seven legislators for extending support to sitting Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) MP Tokheho Yepthomi in the Lok Sabha polls.

Yepthomi, joint candidate of the ruling NDPP-led People's Democratic Alliance (PDA), which comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Janata Dal (United) and an Independent, is seeking a re-election from the lone Lok Sabha seat in Nagaland.

The seven rebel NPF MLAs -- Kejong Chang, E.E. Pangteang, Eshak Konyak, C.L. John, B.S. Nganlang, N. Thongwang Konyak and Toyang Chang -- had met Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday to extend their support for Yepthomi.

The NPF disciplinary action committee said it has taken serious note of the revolt by the MLAs against the party by extending support to Yephtomi.

Terming the action "a breach of party discipline", it said the MLAs were liable to attract action under Article XIV, para 2 Clause (b) & (c) of the NPF constitution.

The legislators have been asked to submit their reply on or before April 2 as to why disciplinary action should not be initiated against them.

The Congress had sought the NPF's support for K.L. Chishi who served as the Chief Minister for 28 days in 1990.

The NPF, the main Opposition in the 60-member Nagaland Assembly, has not fielded anyone for the April 11 Lok Sabha election.

"Supporting the Congress is against the principle of regionalism. The absence of a NPF candidate in the Lok Sabha elections has necessitated our decision to extend cooperation and support to the PDA consensus candidate and the PDA government," the rebel NPF legislators had stated on Monday.

--IANS

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