SHILLONG: When PA Sangma was the Chief Minister of the state from 1988, he believed in officers doing their duties going by the rule book without any political interference setting the trend for others to emulate.
Speaking to The Shillong Times on Saturday, the Chief Secretary KS Kropha said that in 1988 when he was the Deputy Commissioner of Jowai, soon after the outcome of district council polls, he had a difficult time to decide on the election of Chairman of JHADC as there were claims and counter claims after the ruling party, the Congress did not get the majority. The Chief Minister who was from the Congress was also under pressure from the partymen.
“That time, there was only land line to communicate. I was surrounded by people. Chief Minister called up and spoke to me in chaste Hindi to do as per the rule. Jo rule hai wahi karo. Aap ke upar me pressure hai, Mere upar bhi pressure hai (Whatever is the rule, go by that. Pressure is on you as well as upon me)” Kropha said.
The Chief Secretary said that he used to quote this incident on several occasions to convey the great quality of the late leader that rule is supreme, despite facing pressure from various quarters.
