Victoria still member of House, says Speaker NT Staff Reporter
Panaji, July 26 The Speaker, Mr Pratapsingh Rane has said that he would decide on the issue of disqualification of Ms Victoria Fernandes, the Congress MLA from St Cruz, for having defied the party whip by remaining absent during voting on demands, even as he said that she continued to be the member of House pending hearing on the matter.Mr Speaker said that he has also decided not to act on her resignation sent through a courier this afternoon, pending hearing on the disqualification petition which was filed soon after she absented herself from voting in the House despite whip. He also said that resignation should be personally handed over to him as per the laid down procedure. Mr Rane further said it was evident that she has violated the whip when there was division of votes while passing demands on Monday (July 24), however, he said that party had 15 days time to condone her absence. He denied that she had sought leave of absence from the Congress Legislature Party leader. Disclosing that hearing into the disqualification petition would be held on Monday (July 30), he said that notice for hearing her case before disqualification was ready and would be sent in due course of time. He also said that Mr Fernandes has sought appointment with him tomorrow but gave no specific time for the same. As regards to why he adjourned the House till Monday, the Speaker said that Friday was the day for transacting private members bills and since there was no government business he decided to adjourn till Monday, when the government business could be taken up for discussion and voting. Asked to comment on the behaviour of the ruling side members, he said that they should behave properly. Asked whether the government was in minority, he replied that he was not been able to assess the situation. I cant say anything on the matter, he said adding that till voting took place there was a government. Replying to another question on whether there was political crisis in the state, Mr Rane said that the complains of government having been reduced to minority following withdrawal of support by some members have reached the Governors office, adding that the ball was now in the court of the Governor. http://www.navhindtimes.com/articles.php?Story_ID=072715 Cip
