Oust James, Kembhavi pro tem for just probe: Ardent

SHILLONG, May 10: Former Nongkrem legislator, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, has suggested the state government to remove Power Minister, James Sangma, as well as MeECL CMD, Arun Kembhavi, for the nonce, so as to ensure a free, fair and independent inquiry into the allegations of corruption in Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).
Welcoming the state government’s recent decision to institute an inquiry into the alleged corruption and irregularities, Basaiawmoit said that people will continue to have doubts on the inquiry unless both James and Kembhavi are removed.
“We are aware that all these irregularities in the MeECL took place when both of them were in the helm of affairs. It would be in the fitness of things if the government asks the power minister to step aside till the time the independent inquiry is over,” the former Nongkrem MLA said here on Monday.
Basaiawmoit also said that there is a blame game going on between the officials of the MeECL and the management. Even the employees had demanded a CBI inquiry, he said.
“To put things to rest, the power minister should step aside. Unless this happens, doubts will always be over the impartiality of this independent inquiry,” the former MLA added.