From Our Correspondent
TURA: GHADC Deputy Chairman Metrinson G Momin, who has been accused of manipulating signatures of MDCs in a signature campaign by opposition MDCs with an aim to oust Council Chairman Denang T Sangma, has denied any wrongdoing and claimed that he did everything as per rules.
Earlier, Metrinson had submitted the names and signatures of several MDCs who were in favour of removing the chairman to the West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner to be forwarded to the Governor for a decision on the matter. However, soon after the list of signatures was submitted, three MDCs- Dormonath Ch Sangma of Naguapara, Smith M Momin of Kharkutta and Deviar M Sangma of Baghmara —denied signing and claimed that the signatures were old and obtained for other purposes.
Speaking to this reporter on Friday, Metrinson denied the manipulation charge against him and instead blamed the MDCs for making a U turn.
“The MDCs were not happy with the style of functioning of the chairman. They approached me and as there is a law to remove the chairman if one-fourth of the MDCs are in favour. I took their signatures and submitted the list to the DC. I was there when they signed the list and I have all the proof in my office,” Metrinson said.
He said that incidents of MDCs frequently changing sides were happening due to the absence of any anti-defection law in the Council.
“This is what has happened in this incident. They did sign the list but apparently after some ruling MDCs approached them, they changed sides again as there is no anti-defection law,” Metrinson claimed.
Reacting to former Deputy Chief Executive Member Augustine Marak’s statements against him that he was violating rules, Metrinson said has no right to speak to him about rules.
“He has been accused of siphoning off a huge amount of Council funds. So who has not followed rules? Who is he to question me? And how dare he accuses me of falsifying the signatures?” Momin retorted.
Metrinson also alleged that Denang T Sangma was not functioning on his own and that it was Augustine who was influencing him to adopt delaying tactics with regard to the functioning of the EC.
Stating that incidents of MDCs frequently changing sides was not good for the image of the Council as well as in the eyes of the general public, Metrinson warned of action against such MDCs in the future.