By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 21: The BJP has rubbished the Congress’ charge that it is trying to control central institutes in Meghalaya, including NEHU, by appointing individuals with background in the saffron party and RSS.
Congress MLA Ronnie Lyngdoh had alleged that the turmoil in NEHU had begun when the BJP attempted to “capture” the institution to promote its ideology by appointing individuals affiliated to RSS and BJP. It was brought to the knowledge of the Centre’s fact-finding team that unqualified individuals were appointed in various posts due to their background in RSS and BJP.
BJP spokesperson Mariahom Kharkrang said these “wild allegations” should not be taken seriously as the Centre makes appointment based on efficiency. He, however, said if the allegations are true, then such things should not happen and the government will certainly take action to restore the past glory of the university.
He said the fact-finding team should find out if there is any interference from RSS and BJP in the functioning of NEHU. He also said that a BJP delegation may go to New Delhi soon to apprise the central leadership about the issues in NEHU.
Kharkrang said the Opposition levelled the allegation that right wing groups are trying to control other central offices and institutes in the state to score some brownie points.
VIP CULTURE
Meanwhile, speaking about the growing frustration among people against VIP culture, especially by those who misuse VIP facilities on the pretext of being close to people in power, the BJP spokesperson lamented that VIP culture is picking up in an unpleasant way in the state. He cited that people attached to those in power nowadays tend to avail facilities meant for VIPs.
“Sirens are also being used by individuals close to people in power and this has irritated the public,” Kharkrang said and asked the government to give a free hand to the police to act against elements using these facilities unauthorisedly.
Pointing out that the traffic situation has become unmanageable, he urged VIPs to ensure that they do not cause any inconvenience to the public. He said sometimes when VIPs rush to reach the venue of a programme, it tends to create chaos.
On the recent death of an individual in an accident allegedly involving the convoy of Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh, Kharkrang said the matter should be totally left to the investigating agency to find out the facts. He hoped the police would do their job well.