Graft: Lokayukta charge sheet against NPP MLA, others
SHILLONG, Aug 12: The State Congress despite being the principal opposition party in Meghalaya appears to have adopted a soft stand on the Lokayukta case of graft against an MLA from NPP, the ruling party of the MDA coalition, and others.
The Lokayukta had charge-sheeted 12 people, including NPP’s Mahendraganj MLA Sanjay A Sangma, for non-completion of the construction of the member’s hostel, Tura. Sangma was a contractor of the project amounting to around Rs 6.01 crore. It was taken up a few years ago.
Asked for his thoughts, Leader of Opposition Ronnie V Lyngdoh was apparently defending the NPP MLA.
When asked about the alleged corruption by the MLA and others, Lyngdoh said that Sangma was not an MLA when the project was taken up.
When further asked if the party would approach the Speaker on the matter for some action against the MLA, Lyngdoh made it clear that this is not the party’s job, while adding that law enforcement agencies would look into it.
He however said that the process of law should be followed. It may be mentioned that opposition parties usually leave no stone unturned to go hammer and tongs against the ruling dispensation but surprisingly the Congress in Meghalaya is hardly seen questioning the government on any matter lately. Instead, the Opposition leader is time and again seen appreciating the good works of the government and the ministers of the MDA.
With regard to the border talks between Assam and Meghalaya governments to resolve the boundary dispute, the LO said that the government is taking up the matter seriously and the dispute should be resolved in the spirit of give and take.
Lyngdoh said that the confrontation between Assam and Meghalaya on border dispute is not going to resolve the matter. “We have to find an amicable solution to ensure that people residing in those areas do not suffer,” he said.