MPLU demands removal of Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 15, 2019

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya People’s Labour Union (MPLU) has sought the immediate removal of the incumbent Governor, Tathagata Roy for making controversial statements which according to the union is lowering the dignity of his constitutional office.

In a petition to the President of India Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday, MPLU president Erwin K Syiem Sutnga said, “In the interest of the people of the State and the sanctity of the Constitution of India, it will be the best course of action to remove and replace Tathagata Roy as Governor. We request that his replacement should be a person who knows the history of Meghalaya and its tribal people, our place in the Constitution of India and the duties and responsibilities of a Constitutional Office as is the Office of the Governor of Meghalaya.”

Pointing out that Article 361 (1), (2) and (3) of the Constitution of India guarantees immunity from prosecution of the Governor while in Office, Sutnga said, “However, in this case we feel that if no action is taken against Tathagata Roy, legal remedy under Article 226 will lie despite the provision the said Article under the provision of Article 361 (4).”

He said the Governor at the height of the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) protests in Shillong on December 13, had tweeted the following message:- “Two things should never be lost sight of in the present atmosphere of controversy. The country was once divided in the name of religion. A democracy is NECESSARILY DIVISIVE. If you don’t want it go to North Korea.”

Stating that this tweet reflects the ignorance of the Governor of the history of the Khasi-Jaintia people, the foundations of the Constitution of India and his Constitutional responsibilities and duties, Sutnga said, “In an atmosphere charged with anger and mass mobilisation, the Governor should have been standing by the Official Resolution of the Government of Meghalaya submitted to you on 30th November 2019 which was also signed by the Meghalaya People’s Labour Union (MPLU).”

This tweet though denied by him (governor) shows he is not fit to hold a Constitutional position, he said.