BJP threatens to reveal ‘masterminds’ behind move to introduce CBW in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 19, 2020

The state BJP has threatened to reveal the “masterminds” of the Central Bonded Warehouse (CBW) if the state government fails to revoke its introduction in the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday, BJP state vice president Bernard N Marak said the party wants the state government to stop introduction of CBW and allow the bonded houses to function as they are running now.

“If any change to the existing law is attempted without following proper procedure, BJP will not hesitate to reveal the actual masterminds of CBW including the ministers,” he said.

Alleging that the decision was taken in the state Cabinet without following the legal procedure, Marak said, “Few ministers want to control the supply of liquor just like coal by amending an existing Excise law without taking it to the floor of the House.”

He said that the Cabinet has made a hasty move to introduce the CBW as the profit they can individually make is unimaginable while state will lose huge amount of revenue.

“Like coal, not all consignments will be legally shown and all the hidden consignments will be sent to the market without proper tax imposed on them which will be a loss to the state’s revenue,” he stated.

On the other hand, Marak said all legal aspects are being observed by the Meghalaya BJP including the 25% hike on all liquors during lockdown which is still continuing till now unjustified.

He said the entire liquor business is now eyed by certain ministers as CBW will allow them to monopolise the liquor business separately in Khasi and Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills.

Like coal, major liquor consignments will not be reflected legally in record and the unrecorded consignments will benefit the CBW owners profiting them and of course the Ministers.

“Allowing CBW will be like allowing illegal supply of liquor into the market which will be a huge loss of revenue to the State.  That is why BJP strongly oppose introduction of Central Bonded Warehouse in Meghalaya,” Marak said.