TURA, June 23: The BJP has sharpened its attack on its own ally, the NPP which is heading the new Executive committee in the GHADC, by questioning the new CEM Benedic R Marak over his decision to appoint an alleged “school dropout” to the position of “Chief Adviser” to the CEM in the GHADC, recently. The CEM has also been accused of lying about the facts involving the appointment.
“We were informed that you appointed Akki A Sangma as your chief adviser, who you (CEM) claimed was a BJP member and whose qualification is below class X. You also said it was done on the direction of Dr M Chuba Ao, BJP’s Meghalaya in-charge with sole motive to get money from the Centre on 1% token share. Akki A Sangma is not the active member of Tura BJP City District even though he resides in Tura. He never took part in any party activity till today and he never attended any meetings,” stated three BJP leaders from Tura in a joint letter to CEM Benedic R Marak.
The signatories to the letter are District President of BJP Tura City, Daulhat Chada Marak, BJYM President of Tura City District, Anesh M Sangma and District Secretary of BJP Tura City, Wilver Danggo.
The Shillong Times could neither authenticate the actual qualification of the newly-appointed chief adviser nor verify the claims made by the three signatories.
In what is now being seen as an attempt by the CEM to cover up the appointment of his alleged business partner, Benedic R Marak had claimed that the appointment of Akki A Sangma was on the advice of Dr M Chuba Ao.
Demanding answers, the BJP has sought evidence on the grounds that there was never any discussion for appointment of a chief adviser by the party’s Meghalaya in-charge.
“You are kindly requested to reply to us in writing by detailing to us the ground how Dr M Chuba Ao instructed you to appoint a non-BJP member with limited education as your chief adviser when there are elected members and former CEMs and MDCs in the party. Also, how much money was agreed to be sanctioned by Akki A. Sangma through Dr Ao as was assured by you (CEM)? We want to know these facts because BJP Tura City District members, MDCs and former MDCs, were never discussed and informed of the decision taken by the Meghalaya in charge,” mentioned the party leaders in their letter to Benedic Marak.
Targeting both the chief adviser Akki A. Sangma and another appointee, Rudraswar Ch Momin, a businessman from Williamnagar, who has also been given the position of Chairman of the High Powered Committee by the CEM, the BJP has questioned the authenticity of their appointments.
“You (CEM) informed that they are not in salaried post but our question is, how can you appoint them and promise them even Rs 1 payment when the post is not sanctioned?” the BJP leaders demanded to know.
They have also questioned the silence on the part of the NPP towards the support extended to the EC by Tura BJP MDC Bernard Marak, sought removal of a non-tribal MDC from the position of Chairman of forest Advisory Committee and the delay in release of pending salaries of the employees as promised by the CEM, almost three weeks ago.
The BJP has given three days’ time to the NPP CEM to “come clean” on the allegations raised against him relating to his unilateral decisions when it came to appointments.
