SHILLONG: Zero tolerance for corruption is not just a BJP USP; the issue has takers in the ruling coalition partner UDP as well. Doing some plain talking the party has asserted that if any type of corruption or illegalities happenings were prevalent in the state, “let there be an impartial investigation”.
“Anything that is illegal is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated and the party as a whole also has to make a stand on that otherwise if we don’t go by this principal where do we as a party stand in the eyes of the people in Meghalaya,” said UDP general secretary, Jemino Mawthoh here on Tuesday.
“People are looking towards us to provide some kind of direction for good governance and administration in the state. In case of any kind of corruption or illegal activities happening the UDP will not stand for that,” he added.
On the allegations of illegal mining and transportation of coal, Mawthoh pointed out that recently UDP minister Kyrmen Shylla had stated that if found involved he will not spare even his father and brother.
“This is a very strong statement given by a UDP MLA as far as illegal transportation is concerned,” he cited an example on the stand of the party.
He also stated that the UDP president had also made a mention that if those allegations and accusations of illegal transportation are there then those alleging should come forward and file a complaint with all the evidence. “Sometimes people just take a picture of a truck and allege. We need to verify to see also whether the trucks plying have authentic papers or not. That is also important,” he added.
Referring to the recent stand of the UDP when the State unit of the BJP had flagged the issue of corruption in the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), Mawthoh said, “When BJP took up the issue of autonomous district council and were pressing for inquiry we also said that if there is any type of corruption or illegalities happening in the state let there be investigation and the government has also ordered an audit in GHADC. Let us wait for the findings and we can take it further”.
Enquired if the UDP will welcome the demand for an independent probe into the alleged illegal mining and transportation of coal, Mawthoh said, “We read in the papers and see allegations but I would like to reiterate as far as illegal activity is concerned it is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated”.
Referring to the five-year audit ordered by the state government in the two Autonomous District Council after allegations of misappropriation of central funds was alleged by the BJP, Mawthoh said, “Any kind of inquiry which the government deems fit that can get to the bottom of the truth we would like to welcome that”.
Acknowledging that the allegations are a cause of concern, Mawthoh said, “Let those people come forward and complain otherwise just here say how do we substantiate. These allegations also have to have basis”.