SHILLONG, Dec 9: The Opposition Trinamool Congress on Friday said the state government has always been on denial mode whenever any instances of alleged corruption or irregularities come to light. The statement was hotly contested by the ruling National People’s Party which asserted that the government was not trying to silence the voice against corruption but “allegations should be substantiated”.
“Without any documents it is easy for anyone to make allegations but there is a limit to everything. The moment you alleged please substantiate…if your statement is true there are ways and means to verify ii…there are agencies who can trace it out and within no time it will come to light,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said while reacting to the TMC’s statement.
TMC leader Mukul Sangma had, earlier in the day, claimed that government denial on all instances of allegations of corruption is expected and anticipated. “That is the reason why we say let us have Agnipariksha…let there be investigation by independent agency,” he said.
Mukul also asked the government to come clean on the alleged allegations pertaining to the misuse of Rs 632 crore under the Meghalaya Ecotourism Infrastructure Development Project (MEIDP).
Condemning the overall response of the government on alleged irregularities and instances of corruption, he said, “Look at the observation of the High Court pertaining to illegal coal mining? It is only the tip of the iceberg.”
Countering the same, Tynsong said, “Whatever we do…be it any project…we are accountable to the audit report which will go to the CAG. They will make some observations and wait till that time.”
Asserting that the system is transparent, he said, “Once you call tender you cannot manipulate since nowadays online tendering is in place and nobody can manipulate it.”
ILP betrayal
Mukul also slammed the MDA Government for betraying the people and playing with their sentiments as far as the demand for implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) is concerned.
“The overall demand for ILP has become louder in Meghalaya triggered by the Centre’s intent to bulldoze the law by passing the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in Parliament which would have ramifications in the NE region,” he said.
“Unfortunately the NPP’s Tura MP supported the CAB (now CAA) which is a reflection of the collective decision taken by the NPP, the BJP and their associates,” he added.
Mukul also observed that for the first time, people have been compelled to go against the government.
“If people have to take upon themselves the responsibility of protecting their own interests then what can be more painful than that?” he said, while adding that this development should be an eye-opener for those in the government to engage in course correction in the best interest of the people.
Mukul keeps everyone waiting
The Opposition leader played spoilsport during the second edition of interactive session — Townhall with Dr Mukul in conversation with the youth of Meghalaya — by arriving more than two-and-half hours late.
The programme was scheduled to start at 2 pm but Mukul arrived at 4:40 pm much to the relief of the TMC team.
Performance from local artists kept the crowd entertained as they braved the afternoon chill and boredom.
Most people stayed back but a few disgruntled persons were seen leaving the venue.
Mukul arriving late to a function has not happened for the first time. A habitual latecomer, the former CM is often found arriving late for official programmes and party functions.
