SHILLONG: The air-travel controversy involving KHADC CEM P. N Syiem and his EMs refused to die down on Monday with the CEM acknowledging that he visited Delhi to meet AICC general secretary in charge Meghalaya V. Narayanasamy, to pursue the pending Bill related to empowerment of headmen.
Over Rs 9 lakh was spent for the visit of the CEM and a group of EMs to Delhi by air.
Observing that acceptance by the CEM revealed a peculiar attitude which is perplexing, the HSPDP MDC Pyniaid Sing Syiem said that as he had taken the money from the KHADC to visit Delhi for issues regarding the Congress party, it is clear that the visit was not to raise the issues concerning KHADC affairs.
“He has lied to the people that his visit to Delhi was for the issues regarding the problems faced by KHADC”, the MDC said,
According to the MDC, the reply to RTI query did not reveal that he met the AICC leader over VAB. By acknowledging that he met Narayanasamy, it will be the first step to his downfall,” Pyniaid said.
Pyniaid’s criticism came after the CEM clarified to the media that his Delhi visit on May 26 last is to seek Narayanasamy’s intervention over the indifferent attitude of the state government regarding the VAB to ensure that the Bill gets the assent of the Governor.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Pyniaid alleged that the CEM and EM of Finance Antonio War is taking advantage as they went to Delhi for their personal benefits.
“Visiting Delhi for the party’s benefits will endanger the finances of the KHADC and many a time I have pointed out that the Executive Committee of the PDF should be economical and not waste money of the Council,” Pyniaid said.
He also demanded from the CEM and EM finance to clarify on the air-tickets from Guwahati to Delhi to meet the AICC general secretary.
While CEM spent Rs.50,648 for air travel, War spent Rs.65,880 besides availing (TA/DA) amounting to Rs.20,000, while other MDCs availed Rs 17,000 for their journey.
The last visit of the CEM to Delhi was on March 17-21 incurring an expenditure of Rs 77,146.
