The Hindu : Disqualify defectors from holding positions of power: PMK

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Nov 15, 2002

National

National

Disqualify defectors from holding positions of power: PMK

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI NOV. 14. The Paattali Makkal Katchi today suggested that the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution be amended to curb defections, and that members of the Legislative Assemblies/Parliament who crossed the floor be disqualified to hold positions of power.

In a letter to the Defence Minister and NDA convener, George Fernandes, and the Union Law Minster, K. Jana Krishnamurthi, the party said that instead of the Speaker, the courts should be given the jurisdiction to decide cases of disqualification.

Stung by defection within its own ranks in Tamil Nadu, the PMK chief, S. Ramadoss, urged the Centre to consider amending the Constitution and including a clause that if MPs/MLAs decided to leave the party from which they were elected, they should resign their membership of the House and seek a fresh mandate.

If a political party removed its MP/MLA for indulging in anti-party activities or indiscipline, the member should be automatically disqualified from the House, he said.

Similarly, all political parties should come to a broad agreement that they would not admit defectors.

And a defector should be disqualified from occupying any position of power in the government or other bodies, Dr. Ramadoss told correspondents here.

He had handed over the letter to Mr. Fernandes and Mr. Krishnamurthi.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National