UDP suspends MLA for "anti-party" activities

The party parliamentary board which met today took the decision against Basaiawmoit even as he was asked to reply within a week why he should not be expelled from the party.

"We have put Basaiawmoit under suspension. We have also intimated him officially with a reason as to why he should not be expelled from the party," UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh told reporters.

Basaiawmoit a representative from Nongkrem constituency in East Khasi Hills district has been the most vocal MLA against the government and also against his own party.

Among other non-compliance against the party directives was his vocal opposition to the candidature of a non-tribal candidate in West Garo Hills Rajabala constituency.

The party which met yesterday had discussed several issues against Basaiawmoit including his non-compliance to a number of directives issued by the party but did not take any decision.

The expelled legislator said he is watching the developments closely.

"I will react at the right time," he said.

Basaiawmoit's supporters had resigned en masse to show solidarity with their leader's stand against his party.

Meanwhile, the party has began scouting for an alternative candidate from the Basaiawmoit constituency.

Meanwhile, the party central executive committee will be discussing the reply of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma to the party's demand to oust tainted lady minister from the cabinet named by the CBI in a job scam inquiry report.

The UDP chief and former CM Donkupar Roy had on November 5 demanded Mukul's intervention to remove the tainted minister both on moral and legal grounds citing her continuances in the office has become "untenable" to the government.

The party CEC will meet on December 10.