SHILLONG: In an interesting development, the Opposition parties have jointly moved a censure motion questioning the continuance of Ampareen Lyngdoh and Deborah Marak in the ministry despite one being named by CBI for her alleged complicity with education scam and other being chargesheeted by police for her alleged links with GNLA.
Informing this here on Monday, UDP legislator Paul Lyngdoh said that they have purposely moved this motion against the two women ministers. “We are of the view that both the ministers should step down,” he said.
Stating that the Assembly Speaker AT Mondal would take the final decision on the censure motion, he said, “We are hopeful that the motion will be admitted”.
Earlier in day, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said that he did not see any comparison in relation to the resignation of Roshan Warjri on law and order situation and the demand for dropping Deborah Marak and Ampareen Lyngdoh.
In reply to a question on the two cabinet ministers, the Chief Minister told reporters, “I am not linking the resignation with the other aspect of the points referring to. The reason and concerns cited by her (Roshan Warjri) should be seen as a strong message that through her act, she is also condemning the people who are bent upon perpetrating crimes, and it should be taken in a much more positive perspective”.
He said that the message is loud and clear for criminals who do not have allegiance to the better future of the state and the nation or “who are basically the agents of our enemies”.
According to Sangma, through the action of resignation, one is actually condemning the overall senseless killing and series of crimes committed by the anti national elements.
To a question on whether the Home Minister was forced to resign, the Chief Minister said, “Why should I presume like that when I am very satisfied about her contribution as a minister and as a cabinet colleague and particularly as one who is holding an important portfolio. No Chief Minister allocates a portfolio of home unless the Chief Minister has real confidence in the minister.”
Asked whether the resignation of the minister is a sort of setback for the Government in terms of dealing with the militants, Sangma said that the Government is still there and the resigned minister is part of the Government. Moreover, there are members of MUA who are part of the Government, he added.
Lanong clarifies: Meanwhile, UDP working president Bindo Lanong has clarified that while the Chief Minister should have dropped any minister or MLA whose offence has been proved, the same yardstick cannot be applied to Cabinet Minister Deborah Marak since the matter is still in the court. .