Expelled Congress MLA hints at taking legal step against party

Congress MLA Kalikho Pul today hinted at taking legal step against the party for expelling him, which he alleged was done without following the guidelines of the party constitution.
"I have received the expulsion order this afternoon. I will appeal to the higher authority for reconsideration of the decision," said Pul who was expelled yesterday for six years for alleged anti-party activities.
"The decision of the party state president was unfortunate as I was not served any show cause notice earlier. As per the party's constitution, before expulsion of a member, he should be served a notice and then suspended. Expulsion is the last option if anything is proved against him," he said.

"If I committed any anti-party activity, there should be a complaint to the vigilance committee of the party which would conduct an enquiry and submit its report to the party president for further action. However, in my case no such thing happened," he said.
The fifth-time MLA from Hayuliang constituency in remote Anjaw district said he would seek legal help if necessary after due consultation with his supporters.
He said he had never worked against the party's interest during his 30 years long association with Congress.

Pul said he was dropped from the cabinet as Health and Family Welfare minister on December 24 last year because of his initiative to streamline the health department.

"The decisions I had taken in the interest of the state and the people might have dissatisfied someone in the cabinet for which I was dropped," he said.
The former Finance and Planning minister slammed the government for the financial crisis of the state, which compelled the chief secretary to order closing of the year on March 24 instead of March 31.
Alleging that the state is facing an overdraft of 449 crore, he asked the state government to come out clear before the public on the financial status of the state.