Aizawl: The ruling Congress on Sunday dealt a surprise blow on Mizo National Front president and former Chief Minister Zoramthanga by digging up a graft case against him, while on the other hand, emphasised its non-involvement in the case.
Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) members in a press conference on Sunday pointed out that Zoramthanga had been charged with disproportionate assets case in September 2006, by a citizen concerned while he was still the Chief Minister.
Again in December 2009, Mizoram Upa Pawl (senior citizens’ association) general secretary in charge of vigilance, filed an FIR against alleged deduction of three per cent from every contract work under the PMGSY for MNF party fund.
Later in June 2007, independent anti-corruption watchdog Prism filed another FIR against Zoramthanga’s suspicious wealth and Aii-puk scandal with the state Anti-Corruption Bureau, and later filed a PIL to Gauhati High Court, the MPCC media cell said, and rubbished Zoramthanga’s allegations that the Congress government renewed the case.
The Congress was more than happy to give an account on the alleged rags-to-riches story of the rebel leader-turned-chief minister.
At the age of 42, Zoramthanga came overground completely penniless in 1986 following the Peace Accord of June 30, 1986. He was made education minister in the short-lived Laldenga ministry from 1986 to 1989.
Zoramthanga became jobless from 1989 till 1998 elections when he brought back his party to power and became chief minister.
When Zoramthanga filed nominations in the 2003 elections, his fortune had already become Rs 54,18,061.94.
After another five years, Zoramthanga was worth Rs 1,38,02,241.26, a increase by Rs 83.84 lakh against he and his wife’s known sources of income of Rs 18,94,350. (UNI)