SHILLONG: North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum, on Monday, questioned the manner in which he was suspended by the Voice of the People Party (VPP), maintaining that the action was not carried out according to proper procedure.
Speaking to reporters on the political situation, Nongrum said he had made his position clear when he joined the VPP, stating that he had taken the decision after considering it as reflecting the voice of the people and had no intention of leaving the party.
He said he continues to consider himself a member of the VPP but alleged that the party’s leadership had suspended him in a manner that was improper and, in his view, contrary to constitutional provisions.
Nongrum said that as an elected MLA, any disciplinary action against him should have been taken in accordance with the appropriate procedure. He pointed out that the suspension letter referred to him as “Adelbert Nongrum, Jaiaw Lumsyntiew”, rather than identifying him in his capacity as an MLA.
He said that if the matter were taken before a court, the manner in which the suspension was issued could raise questions for the party leadership, and they would be embarrassed.
The MLA also referred to his seating arrangement in the Assembly, stating that the Speaker had shifted his seat in the Assembly, but when he raised an objection they gave it back the seat the following day. According to Nongrum, this indicated that the suspension had not been implemented in the manner claimed.
In the 2028 Assembly elections, Nongrum said he would leave the matter to time and circumstances. He added that his immediate focus was on carrying out his responsibilities as the MLA representing North Shillong.
