SHILLONG: Under Pressure to strip James Sangma from the Home portfolio, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma has asserted that no decision has been taken to strip the Minister and discussions are on within the coalition to amicably resolve the issue.
The statement came from the Chief Minister as different political parties supporting the MDA have already expressed their resentment over the style of functioning of the Home Minister, James Sangma who is accused of not doing much to stop the illegal mining and transportation of illegal coal in the state.
Informing that there are different complications and issues which are coming up, Sangma added that the Government, Cabinet and coalition were finding ways to resolve the matter properly.
“We will continue to talk to all our partners and all the concern to find a solution which will be most amicable and acceptable to all,” the Chief Minister added.
It may be mentioned that Ministers from different political parties including the United Democratic Party (UDP), People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) who are supporting the alliance have expressed their reservations against James Sangma continuing as the Home Minister of the state.
The bone of contention against James Sangma is the unhappiness of the ministers over the way the entire issue of illegal mining and transportation of coal is being handled as there have been several reports about trucks transporting illegal coal in the state while the Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma continues to be on the denial mode over the allegations.
Even the Lokayukta have ordered Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to inquire into the allegations of illegally-mined coal being transported in the state.
—