SHILLONG, June 6: The imputations levelled by State Congress president Vincent H Pala against the United Democratic Party seems to have stirred up a hornet’s nest with the latter now throwing a challenge at the former to substantiate his “wild claim” with evidence.
Social Welfare Minister and UDP MLA, Kyrmen Shylla on Monday issued a clean chit to his party and said they were ready for any inquiry into the allegations made by Pala.
“Everyone is free to criticise or level allegations. But the MPCC chief should not make wild accusations against us without any evidence. If he has proof that we are involved in any scam or corruption then let him make the evidence public,” Shylla said in a strong rebuttal to Pala.
Pointing out that there are specific laws to deal with such charges, Shylla reminded Pala that the law applies to everyone including himself. “So if he (Pala) says we are involved then let there be an investigation against us,” the minister said.
Referring to the MPCC’s statement that the Congress will be able to form the government on its own in 2023 without anyone’s support, Shylla cautioned him against overconfidence. “We are all aware of the present state of affairs in the Congress. But Pala still has the courage to make this tall claim. It would not be easy for a sinking ship like the Congress to secure absolute majority but I would like to wish him the very best,” the UDP leader said.
On his party’s prospects, Shylla exuded confidence that the UDP will do well due to the growing support of the people of the state.
“People are showing their faith in the party to lead the state after the 2023 Assembly polls. We would work hard to win the maximum number of seats,” Shylla said.
It should be noted that Pala had recently drawn a connection among the UDP, the portfolios held by the party and rampant allegations of corruption. “Whatever portfolio you hand over to UDP, it will always fail because the corruption is very high. They are sitting idle and do not come out to clear the charges levelled against them so they cannot hide,” the MPCC chief had said.
While making the accusation, Pala had spoken about the home delivery of liquor which had started after UDP took over the portfolio. He had also referred to the alleged rice scam in the Social Welfare department and the coal illegalities under the Home department, both of which are held by the UDP.
The MPCC chief had gone on to say that the recent incident involving the collapse of the dome of the Assembly building project that was being monitored by UDP president and Assembly Speaker, Metbah Lyngdoh, was due to corruption.
